How can MLB Franchises Continue to Operate?

You have to wonder how major league teams stay afloat in this ridiculous era of inflated salaries and let's have a look at the Florida Marlins. After winning the World Series in 2003, the Marlins took a step back in 2004 and decided to offer former Blue Jays slugger a $52 million 4-year contract to join them this year.Last night the Marlins who are off to a very nice 17-12 mark were hosting the Houston Astros and hall of fame pitcher Roger Clemens. What better to do on a perfect night in South Florida but take in a ball game and yet only 20,239 people showed up for the contest.How does a team with a $60 million dollar budget continue to justify their existence and yet the handing out of large salaries, does not look like it is in decline. Tonight the Marlins will send surprising Brian Moehler to the hill in search of his second victory of the season and is 1-1 in seven appearances including 3 starts. The good news is that the Yankees are on a 3-game winning streak and if history repeats itself, the Yanks will contend, but I hardly think so. The last time it took them this long to win three in a row was 1925 when they won 97 games. Veteran Tino Martinez has an incredible 5 home runs in his last 17 games and has 7 on the season, which is a bonus coming from a part time player.The Mariners have lost 8 of 9 and Bret Boone's performance of late has been horrific with just 3 hits in his last 30 at bats and no RBI's!I guess you could call Boston Red Sox's pitcher Bronson Arroyo Mr. Automatic has he has won 8 straight decisions and the Red Sox have won the last 15 games he has started. The Red Sox have won 8 of 9 and Oakland allowed an embarrassing 9 unearned runs last night!The Baltimore Orioles will be without Sammy Sosa for the rest of the series against the Twins and tonight face a very hot pitcher in Brad Radke. He has allowed just one run in his last 16 2/3 innings but faces lefty Eric Bedard who has been impressive himself. The Canadian has won three in a row and just had a streak of 22 scoreless innings in a row, stopped last Wednesday.After sweeping the Jays the White Sox took a step back with a loss at Tampa and will look to Jose Contreras to continue his fine throwing. He is 3-0 in 5 appearances lifetime against the Devil Rays and is a part of the AL leading staff and their 3.04 ERA.