Phillies Finish 88th on ESPN’s Ultimate Franchise Power Rankings
ESPN released their annual power rankings of each major sports franchise, and the Phillies rose in this years list
After a six-year slide for the Phillies, ESPN is giving the organization more credit for their rebuilding process.
In a power ranking of 122 franchises from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB the Phillies finished 88th as to where the organization currently stands.
ESPN rates multiple categories to complete their all-encompassing rating, including ownership, coaching, fan relations, and stadium experience.
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Each number next to a category ranks the Phillies compared to each of the 122 total teams in the power ranking.
Title track: 32
Ownership: 70
Coaching: 78
Players: 96
Fan relations: 92
Affordability: 75
Stadium experience: 63
Bang for the buck: 118
ESPN sees the Phillies as a team finally on the right track, improving from their horrid 118/122 finish last year. They see them as one of the better organizations set to win a championship. Their “title track” went from 44th to 32nd thanks to the trading of Cole Hamels and Ken Giles.
Ownership improved dramatically compared to 2015 when John Middleton was an unseen figure trying to increase his stock in the franchise. They moved from 100th to 70th in terms of ownership.
Last season Philadelphia was given the worst rating for a coaching staff in all of the four major North American sports. With Ryne Sandberg suddenly resigning, an unknown in Pete Mackanin filling in, and an unpopular bench staff the previous rating was harsh but understandable. Now with Mackanin established and a new hitting coach due to arrive, the coaching staff received a big bump.
The players on the roster went from 118th to 96th, which is not great but is a dramatic improvement. That comes with the title track improvement thanks to the Hamels and Giles trades. Seeing the future this year in Maikel Franco, Odubel Herrera, Tommy Joseph, and many more is a welcoming sight.
Fan relations improved from the fourth-worst in sports to 92nd, and stadium experience rode-along up with it. Having a good team on the field help, but improving the game day atmosphere even when the team is in a hole is crucial.
The only category the organization diminished in was the “bang for your buck” section. That may have something to do with the product on the field, or what it costs these days to attend a game.
Once you pay $50 per ticket, $15 for parking, $50 on food, and then finish up with buying a new shirsey at the Majestic Clubhouse store you’re in the hole quite a bit.
Across the Philadelphia sports landscape, the Flyers finished on top with a 58 rating thanks to consistent ownership and playoff history. The Eagles finished at 86th, while the 76ers dropped to 102.
The top franchise rating went to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Kansas City Royals were the top franchise in baseball with a ninth-overall rating.
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