The Marlins have fans

They just stay at home and watch TV.

Proof of such popularity is in the TV ratings of local telecasts, which are at least in line with most major-league teams.

The team and its flagship station, FSN Florida, won't release figures, but an industry source confirmed that the Marlins have better local ratings than the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago White Sox, the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics.

Despite the team's worst record in nine seasons, the Marlins' local ratings were up 10 percent last year.

"We are very pleased with the Marlins," said Amy Pempel, media relations director for FSN Florida and Sun Sports. "They have plenty of fans who are very passionate and have stuck with the team."

It is kinda what most of us suspected, Marlins fans rather, than making that long drive to JRS and paying all the tolls along the way and forking over $10 dollars for parking, stay at home and watch the game as presented to them by Rich and Tommy.

If there is problem with that it will show up if/when the Marlins get a new stadium, I don't know about you, but I enjoy the Rich and Tommy show and it is a lot more convenient, not to mention cheaper, than going to the park.

But nothing beats seeing a baseball live, so eventually that should win out.

In other news, the tide is turning and the Marlins may become the top sports team in the area.

More encouraging numbers: A recent survey measuring fan loyalty locally, conducted by Scarborough Research from February 2006 to January 2007, showed the Marlins had more fans in Miami-Dade County than the Dolphins.

And people wonder why the possible new stadium will be built in Miami-Dade?