Spring-training attendance in attendance is down some 20 percent this spring when compared to 2008, as teams struggle with smaller crowds.

Teams in the Cactus League are averaging 4,472 fans per game, down from 5,719 in 2008. It's still relatively early, of course; we're still not to the point where any schools are out for spring break, so we'd expect a healthy uptick in a few weeks. And remember this is the per-game average: with the additions of the Dodgers and Indians to the Cactus League this spring, Arizona will set a new overall attendance record.

We've not seen any similar numbers from the Grapefruit League, but anecdotally we can say things are down there as well. Boston and the Yankees used to sell out game consistently, but coming into spring only the Tampa Bay Rays had sold out every fixed seat on the spring schedule. Mets and Cardinals spring averages were reported as bring down 15 percent or so as well.

Still, the per-game dip is distressing. Adding two teams diluted the product, to be sure: the addition of all those Dodgers and Indians fans to the mix wasn't enough to offset the smaller numbers migrating from Chicago, the Bay Area and Seattle. But it's early: remember, spring training lasts until the first weekend of April this year.

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