The Twins also used to draw 3 million fans a year when they were winning world series rings.
The Yankees are just plain stupid with their dealings. They sign guys who are over 30 to long term contracts that are back ended. They gave RJ a two year extension and he's clearly on the downside, they picked up Jarret Wright who was a bad pitch from a lost season and they took on Kevin Brown who was past his prime.
Baseball is a business. There are also too many teams out there with bad business models and no fan support. Anyone can draft good guys, develop the talent and keep a guy for 7 years. If you think that he's asking too much you either trade him for younger guys or you let him go and get some draft picks.
By the way, baseball is not a huge attraction in FL. Too hot to watch games and too many other things to do down there.
The mix is wrong. Most people in South Fl are transplants or at the most 2nd generation, so their loyalties are with some other team. There are tons of Yankee fans there, retirees from NY (on another note, the area ranks 2nd in the nation for people who drive with their 'horns'--they honk at palm trees if they are moveing too slow, just as the NYC drivers do).
They are rabid Dauphins and college football fans though. Dan Marino is the second coming in South Fl.
except for spring training..