These guys are well aware that poor performance is going to lead to lower revenues, it already does. I'm not sure what the point is of reinforcing that with a season where they have zero revenues. If they run the risk of an empty stadium they aren't going to be as willing to spend, because they are risking more money. We know they can't afford to compete like the Yankees, which is really the only way to guarantee success (spending much more than everybody), if spending the 3rd or 4th or 5th most doesn't guarantee you success, why the hell would you spend that much if you run the risk of losing a ton of cash thanks to fans staying away in droves. You are better off rewarding good behavior, spend lots of money when they do well, than punishing them for doing pretty much the only think ownership can do, which is spend. Yes, they can also hire the right management team, but that is more longterm in nature.