Even optimistic fans were reluctant to say that the Miami Marlins had put together a playoff caliber team ahead of the season this year. Nobody doubted the abilities of the hitters in the lineup. Miami has one of the most dangerous in the National League.
But the pitching rotation was suspect at best. The bullpen was hopefully going to be dominant. It hasn’t been. The Marlins are seven games under .500, and aren’t headed to the post-season for the 14th straight season.
It only stands to reason that kind of futility would show up in the television viewership, and the stadium attendance.