Among the

The experts finally figured out what Stonehenge was. Perhaps those same experts can look into the puzzling paucity of Marlins fans.

The Marlins drew 28,173 spectators -- their sixth-largest crowd of the season -- for their home finale Sunday, a 5-2 loss to Philadelphia. About one-third of the fans were wearing Phillies red, but it still was a healthy turnout for a game with drama and meaning.

The Marlins had a beautiful chance to take the lead in the seventh inning and eek out another day of suspense for their dwindling playoff chances, until Cody Ross grounded to shortstop with the bases loaded. One fan held up a sign reading: ''IT'S NOT OVER.'' Technically, it's not, with seven games left and the Marlins five games out of the wild-card race. But, practically, it is, with three teams ahead of them.

For the Phillies, the victory meant a 1 ½-game lead over the Mets in the National League East race. Jamie Moyer, at 45 the oldest player in the majors, exasperated the Marlins and improved to 11-1 against them.

It could have been a swell Sunday for South Florida: First, watch the Dolphins discombobulate the Patriots 38-13, then go to the ballpark to say so long to the Fish.

But, as usual, too many people missed an opportunity to enjoy baseball.

At 81-74, assuming they don't go 0-7, the Marlins will finish with a winning record, far exceeding expectations. Yet they will finish with the worst home attendance in Major League Baseball. Again. Dead last at 16,688.

Even the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have not had a winning season since Barry Bonds last played there in 1992, draw better. So do all the horrid teams. So does Tampa, although the Rays have been hugely disappointed by their crowds (an average of 22,199) during their dream season.

During one recent Marlins game, less than 600 fans were in the stands when the first pitch was thrown. Does such an unloved franchise deserve a sweetheart deal on a new, $515 million stadium? No way. It's an incredibly expensive gamble to think that a new home will automatically make the Marlins popular. The Miami Arena was blown up Sunday, just as the Marlins, the county and the city plow ahead with their dubious stadium plan.

Sadly for baseball here, success on the field hasn't been matched at the turnstiles. Two World Series titles and now, in all probability, the fourth winning season under owner Jeffrey Loria and people continue to find a myriad of excuses for not coming to games. That's been the case for 16 seasons.

''It would be nice to have more fans, but we know it's hot out there, and it rains almost every day, and gas is real expensive,'' said Mike Jacobs.

Loria and team president Larry Beinfest deserve praise for overseeing a competitive effort despite the cheapest payroll in baseball. Going into this season, the Marlins had the third-best winning percentage of the five division teams during Loria's seven-year tenure. Over that span, the Marlins have almost the same record as the Mets, who spent lavishly.

It's baseball on a budget but Beinfest has consistently lured talent here. If he could do the same for the stands.

The Marlins were supposed to finish last in the division. Instead, we got another intriguing team. Lots of hits, lots of home runs, lots of action. The Marlins even made history as the only team with four infielders hitting 25-plus home runs in the same season. If Jorge Cantu can hit one more, the Marlins' infield will become the only one with 30-plus each.

Hanley Ramirez proved why he is an All-Star. With Ricky Nolasco leading the way, the pitching staff went from shaky to solid. An 11-17 lapse in August, when the bats went quiet, halted the Marlins playoff momentum.

And now it's time to catch a farewell look at this team. Seems like we just said goodbye to Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. Who will be next in a lineup?

A roster makeover is coming because 18 players are eligible for arbitration -- pay raises. The Marlins also have too many free-swinging sluggers and few dependable hitters. Among the faces of the future: Ramirez, Chris Volstad (the losing pitcher Sunday), Cameron Maybin, John Baker, Gaby Sanchez.

Among those who could soon be part of the Marlins' past: Jacobs, Jeremy Hermida, Josh Willingham, Dan Uggla, Scott Olsen, Luis Gonzalez, Matt Treanor.

''There are a lot of great years to come for a lot of guys in this clubhouse, and it would be great to keep us together,'' Jacobs said. ``But we don't hold our own fate in our own hands.''

On Sunday, those who care about the Marlins paid tribute in person. You could say those who were absent will regret not getting to know this team. But the truth is, they don't care.

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