Cavaliers Near Top of Franchise Rankings
ESPN released it’s annual Ultimate Franchise Rankings, you know where they poll fans and take into account ticket prices, chances of winning and a host of other factors. Here is a link to the methodology for determining the list. The Indians have been near the top of this list for awhile, but find themselves falling out of favor. In fact, the Cavaliers surged ahead to #5 on the list (#1 was the Angels) after finishing 49th last year. The team garnered high marks for players, ownership and stadium experience.
The Blue Jackets finished 31st in the poll, and sadly they were the next closest of all the teams we cover here at WFNY. I suppose it makes sense. None of the others are playoff material. Congrats Jackets! The Blue Jackets scored for coaching as well as fan relations and stadium experience.
The Indians plummeted from 16 last season all the way down to number 67. The biggest reason for the regression? How about coaching? No really, they were ranked 101 out of 122 from among the four major sports. Ouch. That’s ok Wedge, you can still go home and polish that Manager of the Year trophy.
And last (but not dead last) are the beloved Cleveland Browns. Out of 122 franchises, we can boast that they are better than 7 of them. Go us! here’s what ESPN had to say about the Browns’ situation-
Cleveland’s position in the Standings has cratered like the Dow (down from 64 in 2008), and you don’t need Ben Bernanke to explain why. Last season opened with a healthy QB controversy laced with AFC North division hopes and ended without an offensive TD in the final six games and a cellar view of the Steel City decorating its other thumb. “The Dawg Pound has been chomping at the bit for a championship, but they have been patient,” says Steve DiMatteo of Dawg Pound Daily. “It is the fans’ greatest virtue, but it is surely being tested.” For one thing, Steve and his crew are tired of being fed poor management. They’re ready for some front office accountability. Cheaper single-game tickets (average price $54.41, second-lowest in the league) would be a good start. But the cost of mediocrity isn’t all that has them barking. “Randy Lerner rushed to hire a head coach [Eric Mangini] that no other team was even interested in interviewing, then let that coach pick his own GM,” says Jeff of DPD. “That does not inspire confidence.” Ask Bernanke what it means for business when consumer confidence is low.
Yep.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I couldnt find anything to dispute with it when I saw it on ESPN…I concur…the Browns are bad, the Indians have no management, the Blue Jackets are a good, up-and-coming franchise, and the Cavs are the cream of the crop!
July 1st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
No mention of the staph issue? Maybe if they’d have considered it the Browns might have hit rock bottom.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:48 pm
The Browns are terrible. That being said, they’re not the LA Clip Show. Not even close.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Not sure about ‘not even close,’ at least w/r/t the new Browns. Hasn’t the Clip at least made the playoffs once in the last decade?
July 1st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
oh yeah, the Browns have too… so easy to forget.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I really can’t agree with ESPN. Their main point on the Browns was rushing to hire Mangini, well better sooner than later if they knew he was their guy. Also we clamored for Mangini to help hire a GM so they could work cooperatively, another point EPSN didn’t like. This wholo ‘process’ just seems to take in last season’s record and rank it.
Plus, the Detroit Lions weren’t last… need I say more?
July 1st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
ESPN-dead on, well researched and a fine assessment of the facts-and just the facts.
July 1st, 2009 at 6:16 pm
ello-if your glasses were any rosier they’d be foggy. Wipe the dew off and open your eyes.
July 1st, 2009 at 6:18 pm
i know each off season the managment of all sports franchises get together and try to build a team that will win the ESPN franchise ranking competition.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I am shocked that some here thinks the Browns are not only worse, but much worse, than the Indians. I for one think the future is much brighter for the Browns than the Indians.
First of all, the Browns spend as much money on players as the other teams. Perhaps the Indians could get rid of their cheerleaders so they can sign another player?
Second of all, the Indians are last in their league and looking to get worse in the next couple of years. Do you all really think the Browns are worse than that?
I’m not saying the Browns will be above .500, but man they aren’t going to be rock bottom.
BTW, nice one, Other Tim.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
Mr. Know-It-All may know what he’s talking about after all. Before LeBron arrived he predicted the Cavs would win a championship before any of the other sorry franchises in this town. He may be right.
And I agree that the Browns right now are not as bad as the Indolans. Parity in the NFL keeps us in contention. The Tribe will never again compete with the big boys unless they start drafting and keeping talent. Just ask the Pirates…
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Maybe Randy Lerner will hold a press conference to discuss the ranking…