Many long-suffering Pirate fans are thrilled to see the success of the 2013 Team which comes from some aggressive and successful trades and pick-ups in the Free Agent market adequately complimented by an excellent development program and strong prospects. In 2012 the team truly took a step forward and the fans flocked to PNC in numbers not seen since the year PNC opened. More than 2 million fans and an average attendance of 26,000 per game. Successful teams in a small or mid market need an average of 25,000 to 30,000 to support an aggressive annual payroll. 30,000 fans is still only about 75% of capacity of PNC - much less than the percent of capacity support for the Pens and Steelers, but a very good improvement over recent years. The team started as well as I can remember since the glory years of the late 80's and early 90's so everything is good, Right?? Nope, the Pirates are now averaging 2,000 fans per game less than at this time in 2012 - 60,000 less fans so far sends a bad message to ownership at a time when we want them to increase the level of annual salaries closer to the other teams in the NL Central. Cards $116.8; Cubs $106.8; Reds $106.8; Brewers $88.8; Pirates $53.3 ($66.8 minus the $13.5 from NY and Hous). Revenue for all clubs is on the increase due to TV and other contract rights, but if Pittsburgh fans want to see the Pirates jump that salary number to $75 mil or higher, which will be necessary to compete and keep the top prospects that we have drafted, then they have to give the ownership a strong indication that they will support a winning team. I thought the team had turned the corner on fan attendance in 2012 and was hoping to see that 26K per game jump to 30K or beyond this year, but unfortunately, we are going in the wrong direction.