MLB News & Notes (other than Cubs or Sox)

[Butcher]

Why on earth would they do that? Did they not pay attention to what happened in Miami when they built a fancy new stadium?

[1060Ivy]

Cause the good taxpayers in Florida deserve to support billionaire sports team owners. It’s the American way.

[MrSheps]

I have no idea if baseball is viable or not in Tampa, but man, that artist rendition of the proposed stadium ceiling is awesome.

[Butcher]

I have no idea if baseball is viable or not in Tampa, but man, that artist rendition of the proposed stadium ceiling is awesome.

 

It isn't. They've been dead last in attendance in the AL in 16 of their 21 years of existence. Their first year in the league was their best attended, but after that it's been bad. A new ballpark will spike their attendance for a couple of years, I'm sure, but it won't last.

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams...tend.shtml

 

The Marlins aren't any better, either:

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams...tend.shtml

 

Before their new stadium, they were dead last in attendance for 6 straight seasons. The new stadium gave them a one-year bump (12th out of 16), and then right back to dead last. This season they're averaging 9,000 per game. Hahahaha. They aren't even drawing 10,000 a game! That's nuts.

 

For whatever reason, baseball and Florida aren't a good fit.

[jstraw]

Not enough old people in Florida.

[rok]

Which is sad given how many ball players come from Florida and also the Cuban community which supposedly loves baseball.

[jstraw]

I was kidding. Florida is jammed with the demographic MLB seems to think is killing baseball.

[rok]

One problem is that most of those transplanted senior citizens are fans of other teams.

[1060Ivy]

And don’t attend games

[1060Ivy]

From todays Chicago Tribune, Sullivan notes on an ex Cub starter demotion


Jason Hammel: Former Cubs starter hits hard times with Royals. Demoted to bullpen on rebuilding club with 2-11 record and 6.21 ERA.

[jstraw]

We've got Addy. I'm never going to regret that trade.

[rok]

I will always have a soft spot for Hammel.

[jstraw]

I hate Clint Hurdle.

[rok]

I like him this weekend.

[jstraw]

He let a struggling pitcher face another batter with the bases loaded and gave up three runs on the next pitch. This game was in hand.