ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. » The Oakland Athletics' quick start has not translated into big crowds.

“;Just from a players' perspective, it's tough to play in front of an empty stadium,”; Oakland reliever Brad Ziegler said before Tampa Bay beat the Athletics 8-6 last night. “;We're starting the game and there's maybe four, five thousand people in the stands. It's frustrating.”;

The AL West-leading A's have an announced average attendance of 17,641 through 14 home games this season.

The economy, last season's record of 75-87 and fan unhappiness about the potential relocation of the franchise from Oakland all could be factors.

“;I've heard about some of our fans boycotting our games because of the team threatening to move to another city,”; Ziegler said. “;I know there's online websites, boycott the move. We can't sell out opening day. It makes you wonder if there's something to that. I understand their frustration, especially the diehard fans. They don't want the team to move. I totally get the fans' side of it.”;

Ziegler is hopeful the team's strong start eventually impacts attendance.

“;We're in first place right now,”; Ziegler said. “;Playing good baseball, exciting baseball to watch. We've won several games in our last at-bat. To me, that should encourage the fans to come out.”;

Through Monday, only Cleveland (16,033) and Toronto (16,032) had lower average home attendance figures in the AL. The league average was 27,576, helped in part by a new, outdoor stadium in Minnesota.

“;We like playing in front of crowds,”; Ziegler said. “;We like to get that adrenaline that the crowd gives us. It's tougher to do when there's 10,000.”;