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Cleveland Indians
Overall: 61
Title track: 114
Ownership: 98
Coaching: 24
Players: 84
Fan relations: 85
Affordability: 32
Stadium experience: 50
Bang for the buck: 17
Change from last year: -15
The Indians' improvement over the past three years is undeniable. Yet fans remain unconvinced that the team is making enough of its talent on the field, which explains a double-digit drop from last year's rankings. Cleveland hasn't given up on the Tribe -- the team remains in the top half of the standings (barely) -- but the fan base clearly expects more.
What's good
Evidenced by his 24th overall ranking -- third best in MLB --manager Terry Francona remains popular as the team has begun to win more. (Cleveland had five straight losing years before his arrival.) Overall, the Tribe have lost ground in our standings in each of Francona's three years in the dugout, but a 2013 playoff appearance bought him some time. In addition to Tito at the helm, the Indians boast one of the game's most exciting young double-play combos in rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor and old-school second baseman Jason Kipnis. Plus, Progressive Field tickets are several bucks below the MLB average and beer is the cheapest in the majors. For a non-playoff team, that counts for a lot -- and lends to a 17th overall ranking in bang for the buck.
What's bad
Since 2007, the Indians have played in only one playoff game, and it's clearly taking a toll on the fans, who voted them 114th in title track (fourth worst in MLB). If they're going to become a contender again, they need improvements on the mound -- still waiting on that breakthrough from talented starter Trevor Bauer -- and in the lineup, where first baseman Carlos Santana showed career-low power numbers. To help fix both problems, the team needs better bang for their free-agent buck. Before 2013, the Indians invested more than $100 million in four-year deals for outfielders Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher -- and got a total of 5.3 WAR in return before ditching both players in the second half of 2015. The Indians have money to spend this winter, but they can't afford to repeat such free-agent mistakes. (Those signings help explain why owner Larry Dolan ranks just 98th.)
What's new
While Francona remains beloved, the players he leads are losing the fans' support; they dropped 32 places this year, down to 85th overall. But the 2015 season brought a much-improved Tribe defense, thanks in large part to Lindor, who gets top marks via metrics like defensive runs saved. Other improvements have come from the addition of Abraham Almonte in center field and Giovanny Urshela at third and moving Lonnie Chisenhall to right. If the Indians' defensive prowess carries over to next season, a little bit of offense could go a long way. An infusion of youth could turn the Indians around -- in both MLB and the Ultimate Standings.
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