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Chicago White Sox
Overall: 85
Title track: 32
Ownership: 65
Coaching: 118
Players: 106
Fan relations: 87
Affordability: 31
Stadium experience: 81
Bang for the buck: 92
Change from last year: -28
It was a tough year for the White Sox in the standings -- they dropped in nearly every category. There is good news, though: Ticket prices are still below the MLB average; U.S. Cellular Field is improving, if still largely empty; and the team is expected to improve its win total for a third consecutive season. Their Ultimate Standings spot is on the wane, but a few more years of improved performance could change that.
What's good
The White Sox continue to shine at providing an affordable ballpark experience. The team's affordability ranking this year, 31, is nine spots better than last season and a full 26 spots better than in 2013. Much of the credit goes to the club's Family Sunday promotion, which offers parking for as low as $10 and upper deck seats for as little as $5. Sure, the win-loss record is unsightly, but a summer day at the ballpark remains desirable, and the White Sox offer a value.
What's bad
The White Sox showed declines in several categories, including title track (32, down 10 spots from last year), ownership (65, down 19) and coaching (118, down 37). It all goes back to disappointments on the field from a roster that has talent but has been able to show it only in brief second-half spurts. With manager Robin Ventura under contract for another year, massive personnel changes aren't expected, so the Sox will do their best with what they've got. Of course, the best way to fix a drop in fan support is to reel off a string of playoff appearances -- but that's easier said than done.
What's new
The White Sox's biggest change in the standings is in the players category, where they dropped a massive 42 places, to 106. Club management has called its roster rebuild a three-year plan, and after Year 1, there's still plenty of work to be done. Expect the front office to focus on a lack of power and an inconsistent defense this winter -- the team could be in the market for a catcher, third baseman and shortstop. And there are high points even now: Pitcher Chris Sale isn't going anywhere for a few years, and first baseman Jose Abreu has been a bright spot.
Next: New York Yankees | Full rankings