Franchise Performance Pt. 4 (#31 - #60)

Recapping the groundrules of the study, we are ranking all sports city-team combinations for playoff performance since 1974 using a poker like system:
1) All teams chip in $10 at the beginning of the year
2) Winner takes 50%, Runner up 25%, Semifinalists 10% each, remaining playoff teams split the last 5%
3) City/Team combinations are separate, the Charlotte Hornets are not associated with the New Orleans Hornets, etc.

Totals through the 2012 Super Bowl are included.

Number 121-148 were revealed in part 1
Number 91-120 were revealed in part 2
Number 61-90 were revealed in part 3

The fourth batch brings us that second tier of title teams, most have won, but not repeatedly. The Los Angeles Rams win the moniker of team with the most money to not win a title. You also see a fair bit of teams that have shortened timeframes with titles (Marlins, Ravens, Diamondbacks, LA Raiders). Plus as we transition through the break even, a few franchises that had three or fewer seasons.

Rank	Total	Team	City	League	Titles	Finals	Semis	Playoffs	Years
60	-$32.56	Titans	NSH	NFL	0	1	2	6	15
59	-$30.00	Golden Seals	OAK	NHL	0	0	0	0	3
58	-$26.00	Panthers	CHA	NFL	0	1	3	4	17
57	-$22.79	Trailblazers	POR	NBA	1	3	6	29	38
56	-$21.08	Supersonics	SEA	NBA	1	3	6	22	35
55	-$20.00	Scouts	KC	NHL	0	0	0	0	2
54	-$20.00	Barons	CLE	NHL	0	0	0	0	2
53	-$18.17	Mavericks	DAL	NBA	1	2	4	17	31
52	-$12.31	Vikings	MSP	NFL	0	3	8	22	39
51	-$10.00	Nets	NYC	NBA	0	0	0	0	1
50	-$7.58	Magic	ORL	NBA	0	2	4	13	22
49	$0.00	Jets II	WIN	NHL	0	0	0	0	0
48	$1.25	Thunder	OKC	NBA	0	0	1	2	3
47	$4.83	Lightning	TAM	NHL	1	1	2	6	18
46	$27.50	Blue Jays	TOR	MLB	2	2	5	5	34
45	$30.08	Rams	LA	NFL	0	1	7	13	22
44	$30.44	Blackhawks	CHI	NHL	1	2	10	28	37
43	$42.08	Colts	IND	NFL	1	2	4	14	28
42	$47.33	Raiders	LA	NFL	1	1	2	7	13
41	$51.25	Diamondbacks	PHO	MLB	1	1	2	5	14
40	$61.88	Sixers	PHI	NBA	1	5	8	24	38
39	$64.25	Reds	CIN	MLB	3	3	5	6	37
38	$67.25	Heat	MIA	NBA	1	2	4	15	23
37	$68.44	Rams	STL	NFL	1	2	2	5	17
36	$68.94	Ravens	BAL	NFL	1	1	3	8	16
35	$75.48	Packers	MIL	NFL	2	3	5	15	39
34	$78.81	Rockets	HOU	NBA	2	4	6	25	38
33	$90.96	Ducks	LA	NHL	1	2	3	8	17
32	$100.50	Stars	DAL	NHL	1	2	4	12	17
31	$110.00	Marlins	MIA	MLB	2	2	2	2	18

Discussion: Would you believe, still no Boston team registered, meaning all four are in the Top 20%. Cincinnati is the only Ohio team in the profit range. Only 48 out of 148 teams have turned a profit. Speaks to lack of parity. The Florida (now Miami) Marlins are the only team to have never lost a playoff series. Next close, the Cincinnati Reds, have made the playoffs 6 times and won 3 titles.

The break down of this set by league as:
NBA: 9
NFL: 9
NHL: 8
MLB: 4
Each team is summarized below. A reminder, the years below are the year of the playoffs, so for NFL, 2010 is associated with the 2009 regular season. For best season, playoff performance is given precedence over regular season record.

Number: 60
Team: Titans
City: Nashville
League: NFL
Years: 1998 – 2012 (15)
Playoffs: 6
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 1
Championships: 0
Best year: 2000 (13-3, lost in Super Bowl)
Worst year: 2006 (4-12)
Winnings: -$32.56

Number: 59
Team: Golden Seals
City: Oakland
League: NHL
Years: 1974 – 1976 (3)
Playoffs: 0
Semifinals: 0
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: 1976 (27-42-11, no playoffs)
Worst year: 1974 (13-55-10)
Winnings: -$30.00

Number: 58
Team: Panthers
City: Charlotte
League: NFL
Years: 1996 – 2012 (17)
Playoffs: 4
Semifinals: 3
Finals: 1
Championships: 0
Best year: 2004 (11-5, lost in Super Bowl)
Worst year: 2002 (1-15)
Winnings: -$26.00

Number: 57
Team: Trailblazers
City: Portland
League: NBA
Years: 1974 – 2011 (38)
Playoffs: 29
Semifinals: 6
Finals: 3
Championships: 1
Best year: 1977 (49-33, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 2006 (21-61)
Winnings: -$22.79

Number: 56
Team: Supersonics
City: Seattle
League: NBA
Years: 1974 – 2008 (35)
Playoffs: 22
Semifinals: 6
Finals: 3
Championships: 1
Best year: 1979 (52-30, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 2008 (20-62)
Winnings: -$21.08

Number: 54 (Tied)
Team: Scouts
City: Kansas City
League: NHL
Years: 1975 – 1976 (2)
Playoffs: 0
Semifinals: 0
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: 1975 (15-54-11, no playoffs)
Worst year: 1976 (12-56-12)
Winnings: -$20.00

Number: 54 (tied)
Team: Barons
City: Cleveland
League: NHL
Years: 1977 – 1978 (2)
Playoffs: 0
Semifinals: 0
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: 1977 (25-42-13, no playoffs)
Worst year: 1978 (22-45-13)
Winnings: -$20.00

Number: 53
Team: Mavericks
City: Dallas
League: NBA
Years: 1981 – 2011 (31)
Playoffs: 17
Semifinals: 4
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2005 (57-25, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 1993 (11-71)
Winnings: -$18.17

Number: 52
Team: Vikings
City: Minneapolis-St. Paul
League: NFL
Years: 1974 – 2012 (39)
Playoffs: 22
Semifinals: 8
Finals: 3
Championships: 0
Best year: 1974 (12-2, lost in Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1985, 2012 (3-13)
Winnings: -$12.31

Number: 51
Team: Nets
City: New York
League: NBA
Years: 1977 – 1977 (1)
Playoffs: 0
Semifinals: 0
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: 1977 (22-60, no playoffs)
Worst year: 1977 (22-60)
Winnings: -$10.00

Number: 50
Team: Magic
City: Orlando
League: NBA
Years: 1990 – 2011 (22)
Playoffs: 13
Semifinals: 4
Finals: 2
Championships: 0
Best years: 2009 (59-23, lost in NBA Finals)
Worst years: 1990 (18-64)
Winnings: -$7.58

Number: 49
Team: Jets II
City: Winnipeg
League: NHL
Years: 2012 – 2011 (0)
Playoffs: 0
Semifinals: 0
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: N/A
Worst year: N/A
Winnings: $0.00

Number: 48
Team: Thunder
City: Oklahoma City
League: NBA
Years: 2009 – 2011 (3)
Playoffs: 2
Semifinals: 1
Finals: 0
Championships: 0
Best year: 2011 (55-27, lost in Conference finals)
Worst year: 2009 (23-59)
Winnings: $1.25

Number: 47
Team: Lightning
City: Tampa Bay
League: NHL
Years: 1993 – 2011 (18)
Playoffs: 6
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 1
Championships: 1
Best year: 2004 (46-22-8, won Stanley Cup)
Worst year: 1998 (17-55-10)
Winnings: $4.83

Number: 46
Team: Blue Jays
City: Toronto
League: MLB
Years: 1977 – 2011 (34)
Playoffs: 5
Semifinals: 5
Finals: 2
Championships: 2
Best year: 1992 (96-66, won World Series)
Worst year: 1979 (53-109)
Winnings: $27.50

Number: 45
Team: Rams
City: Los Angeles
League: NFL
Years: 1974 – 1995 (22)
Playoffs:13
Semifinals: 7
Finals: 1
Championships: 0
Best year: 1980 (9-7, lost in Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1992 (3-13)
Winnings: $30.08

Number: 44
Team: Blackhawks
City: Chicago
League: NHL
Years: 1974 – 2011 (37)
Playoffs: 28
Semifinals: 10
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2010 (52-22-0-8, won Stanley Cup)
Worst year: 2004 (20-43-11-8)
Winnings: $30.44

Number: 43
Team: Colts
City: Indianapolis
League: NFL
Years: 1985 – 2012 (28)
Playoffs: 14
Semifinals: 4
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2007 (12-4, won Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1992 (1-15)
Winnings: $42.08

Number: 42
Team: Raiders
City: Los Angeles
League: NFL
Years: 1983 – 1995 (13)
Playoffs: 7
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 1
Championships: 1
Best year: 1984 (11-5, won Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1988 (5-10)
Winnings: $47.33

Number: 41
Team: Diamondbacks
City: Arizona
League: MLB
Years: 1998 – 2011 (14)
Playoffs: 5
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 1
Championships: 1
Best year: 2001 (92-70, won World Series)
Worst year: 2004 (51-111)
Winnings: $51.25

Number: 40
Team: Sixers
City: Philadelphia
League: NBA
Years: 1974 – 2011 (38)
Playoffs: 24
Semifinals: 8
Finals: 5
Championships: 1
Best year: 1983 (55-17, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 1996 (18-64)
Winnings: $61.88


Number: 39
Team: Reds
City: Cincinnati
League: MLB
Years: 1974 – 2011 (37)
Playoffs: 6
Semifinals: 5
Finals: 3
Championships: 3
Best year: 1975 (108-54, won World Series)
Worst year: 1982 (61-101)
Winnings: $64.25

Number: 38
Team: Heat
City: Miami
League: NBA
Years: 1989 – 2011 (23)
Playoffs: 15
Semifinals: 4
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2006 (52-30, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 1989, 2008 (15-67)
Winnings: $67.25

Number: 37
Team: Rams
City: St. Louis
League: NFL
Years: 1996 – 2012 (17)
Playoffs: 5
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2000 (13-3, won Super Bowl)
Worst year: 2010 (1-15)
Winnings: $68.44

Number: 36
Team: Ravens
City: Baltimore
League: NFL
Years: 1997 – 2012 (16)
Playoffs: 8
Semifinals: 3
Finals: 1
Championships: 1
Best year: 2001 (12-4, won Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1997 (4-12)
Winnings: $68.94

Number: 35
Team: Packers
City: Milwaukee
League: NFL
Years: 1974 – 2012 (39)
Playoffs: 15
Semifinals: 5
Finals: 3
Championships: 2
Best year: 1997 (13-3, won Super Bowl)
Worst year: 1986, 1988, 1991, 2005 (4-12)
Winnings: $74.48

Number: 34
Team: Rockets
City: Houston
League: NBA
Years: 1974 – 2011 (38)
Playoffs: 25
Semifinals: 6
Finals: 4
Championships: 2
Best year: 1994 (58-24, won NBA Championship)
Worst year: 1983 (14-68)
Winnings: $78.81

Number: 33
Team: Ducks
City: Los Angeles
League: NHL
Years: 1994 – 2011 (17)
Playoffs: 8
Semifinals: 3
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 2007 (48-20-0-14, won Stanley Cup)
Worst year: 1995 (16-27-5-0)
Winnings: $90.96

Number: 32
Team: Stars
City: Dallas
League: NHL
Years: 1994 – 2011 (17)
Playoffs: 12
Semifinals: 4
Finals: 2
Championships: 1
Best year: 1999 (92-70, won Stanley Cup)
Worst year: 1996 (26-42-14)
Winnings: $100.50

Number: 31
Team: Marlins
City: Miami
League: MLB
Years: 1993 – 2011 (18)
Playoffs: 2
Semifinals: 2
Finals: 2
Championships: 2
Best year: 1997 (92-70, won World Series)
Worst year: 1998 (54-108)
Winnings: $110.00

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/26/2012

The sports world is busy and diverse these times of year, with NHL and NBA in mid-to-late season form, NCAA Hoops on the precipice of March Madness, Daytona (maybe tomorrow), and lets we forget about the NFL Combine. But this week, one athlete stood head and shoulders above 63 other competitors in his contest, personally defeating six of them. While it's not a Major, the Accenture Match Play Championship is a highlight of the Golf Season, this week's Sportsman of the Week is Hunter Mahan.


The 29 year old alumnus of Oklahoma State (and Southern Cal) ended half of his matches before the 16th tee and upstaged the final day presumed stars of McIlroy and Westwood capturing the title for the U.S. for the first time since Tiger Woods in 2008. Congratulations, Hunter, you are the Longhorndave_on_sports Sportsman of the Week!

The All Star Game

Most professional sports in America have a lot in common. The cities with the teams are largely the same, and every franchise finds a niche with their local fans. The players are unionized in each and strife is predictable every 10 years or so. Most of the players make 10x - 100x what the average American makes. All have a playoff involving at a minimum 8 teams, and the champion of the playoff is called "World Champions" (save MLS).

And every league has an All Star game. Which will be a focus of this blog. Specifically, how it works now, inherent strengths and weaknesses, and what, in my humble opinion, needs to be done to fix it. We start with the All Star game that will take place this weekend:

League: National Basketball Association
Teams: By Conference
Starters: Chosen by Fans
Other Features: Rising Stars game, Dunk Contest, Three Point Contest
Strengths:
Star Power - Let's face it, we love to see LeBron, Kobe, Durant, J-Rose, CP3, and Superman (Howard) in the same city, on the same court. Just like in the 90's we loved Jordan, Hakeem, Malone, Ewing, and Reggie Miller. And the 80's we loved Bird, Magic, Dominique, Barkley, and even Dr. J.
Production - The event definitely benefits from the ability to mix in music entertainment, special effects, etc.
Ability to stick to game - Rotations are easy so that nobody is put out, local players can be mixed at a higher rate, stars are in at the end.
Weaknesses:
Quality of game - No defense is really played, nobody wants to be physical, so you get a lot of candyland shots (see NHL).
A little too informal - Related to Quality, players seem way too relaxed, nobody really cares about the outcome, other than not getting hurt or getting dunked on.

Summary: The hype of the players (who universally show up, nobody begs off) really carries the event. Every now and then you get a good play, but usually with defensive players bailing like pickpockets when the police show up. The rising stars game was a great addition, the dunk contest needs to be retired, the 3pt contest is decent, but really not worthy of watching. Overall the event is an asset to the league, on a scale of 1-10, I give it a 5.5.

What to do to fix: Toy with the NHL style draft for teams and ditch the dunk contest.

League: National Hockey League
Teams: Captains select from pool
Starters: By captain
Other Features: Draft, skills contest
Strengths:
Star Power - Like the NBA, you get all the stars of the day. Because of the nature of hockey, this isn't quite the same impact as the NBA, but nevertheless, you get some good star power.
Draft - The league has toyed with teams by conference, by N. America vs. World, but this format adds a good playground aspect to it, which hockey finds it roots.
Game Skills - You see some pretty passes and plays during the game, the skill level is so high.
Weaknesses:
Scoring - Like the NBA, nobody plays defense. Hockey isn't hockey without checking and hits.
Player familiarity - There's going to be a lot of players that most fans haven't heard of. Because they play in small markets and not many people watch hockey. But Columbus and Phoenix are about never on TV, so when their players make it, I haven't heard of them.

Summary: TV coverage is outstanding for the event, they do a good job with player mics, etc. Overall worthy of having on TV, but not necessarily being glued to the TV. I give this one a 6.5, slightly better quality of play than the NBA

What to do to fix: A futures game with minor leaguers would add something. Skills contest is okay but not outstanding. Find a way to bring some physical play into it.

League: Major League Baseball
Teams: By League
Starters: Fan Vote
Other Features: Futures Game, Home Run Derby, Winner hosts World Series
Strengths:
Star Power - Again, you see the best of the best. Kids see all their favorite players on the field at the same time, be it Aaron, Mays, Mantle, and Killebrew in the 60's; Yaz, Reggie, Bench, and Rose in the 70's; Schmidt, Ryan, Winfield, and Ozzie in the 80's; Sosa, Bonds, Bagwell, and Griffey in the 90's; or Vlad, Pujols, Ichiro, and Jeter in the 2000's.
True Game - Definitely the sport that represents the most true representation of a real game. Other than the substitutions (more in a minute). You'll probably get a 3-2 game before you'll get a 9-7 game.
Game timing - Midsummer when there is little competition. Midweek when you're not competing with any weekend sports. Really, it's a Tuesday and there is nothing much to watch.
Weaknesses:
Fan Vote - Because of the lopsided attendance and media coverage of big markets, it ruins the starting lineups. NY and Bos dominate the AL. Cubs make the lineup way more than they should. It never represents who deserves.
"It Matters" - This game has no business deciding World Series home field. Extreme overreaction to that one tie.
Everyone plays - When the game is on the line, you end up with the back end of the hitters and that's not right. It should be Pujols or Votto or Hamilton or Teixeira deciding. Instead you get a player who is probably making their debut (like Hunter Pence) who just doesn't stack up.

Summary: A good representation of the game, coverage is good, except with too many distractions. The game lasts too long, needs to start earlier. Here I go with an 6.0, too much room for improvement.

What to do to fix: First and foremost, play the starters (or sub) as if you want to win the game, not as if you want to have everyone play. Use your bench to pinch run, play defense, etc. This game could be the ultimate strategy-fest (with Pujols playing all 9 innings) but instead turns into an exhibition. Also, let baseball people pick the players more, fans need to be disenfranchised. Keep the one player per team, it's part of it.

More detail in a previous blog

League: National Football League
Teams: By Conference, Super Bowl participants excluded
Starters: Fan & Player Vote
Other Features: It's in Hawaii
Strengths:
Only Football Game on that weekend - Fans' games are drying up
Weaknesses:
The game is a sham - Nobody wants to get hurt (why should they). Football is about physical play, so this is not football
Best players missing - Super Bowl participants, out. AFC and NFC Title game losers are mostly out. Anyone with a band aid is out. Vince Young has made two Pro Bowls due to attrition.
Production - The broadcast team punts. Nobody is watching. Very little hype or enthusiasm, the network is just looking to bridge to the next week.

Summary: This game is really nothing to make time for. The competitiveness we love about the regular season has drained all interest in this one. Also, conference pride has diminished, I remember being embarrassed that the AFC had lost so many Super Bowls and wanted them to win this one, now it's a sham of a game. I go with a 2.0, really a Sun Belt conference game is more enticing.

What to do to fix: Tough one. Commissioner is considering just canceling. They already tried to move to Miami. They've played with week before vs. week after the Super Bowl. I personally think the charade of the game is past. The players put way too much into the regular season and playoffs to have anything left. Make it a fan event, where the players show up and interact with fans or something.

League: Major League Soccer
Teams: MLS vs. European team
Starters: Fan and Coach Vote
Other Features: None
Strengths:
Star Power - Having the MLS best team against famous teams in Europe puts all kinds of stars on the field.
True Game - Like baseball, you get what resembles a soccer game. Nobody tanks or doesn't play physical
International Flavor - A taste of the stars we see every World Cup.
Weaknesses:
Lack of Publicity - The MLS management does an inadequate job of marketing this outside of MLS fans.
Sport - It's still soccer and many people aren't interested
Players - Most people probably haven't heard of the players, but this is just soccer.

Summary: This is a good soccer game, fun to see MLS stars all on one side. I don't know what other features there are, I haven't watched. I give this one a 8.0, really they do things right, but nobody gets it.

What to do to fix: Publicize this. Maybe even outside the U.S. Better TV timeslot, better hype of MLS team (maybe a multi-game tour).

Final Standings:
8.0 MLS
6.5 NHL
6.0 MLB
5.5 NBA
2.0 NFL

I think baseball has the most room for improvement. NHL and NBA are always going to be stuck with bad defense. NFL should just cancel.

Administrative note

I was on travel for the long weekend, so last week's Player of the Week will lie fallow (Jeremy Lin gets another week as the honored). I will also pick up with the final 60 best franchises in Pro Sports on Tuesday. In the meantime, relive the memories of #90 - #61.

The All Heaven Baseball Team (1980 - 2012)

With the passing of Gary Carter this week, it's starting to occur to me how many of my childhood baseball heroes have passed way too young. I thought it worth the exercise to assemble a team of my childhood favorites who are playing at the great stadium in the sky. I did have to use some internet resources to fill positions, but I came up with a full team, including a bullpen who I say would rival an All Star team today. The format goes that I will name the player, a brief memory, then a baseball card photo (or similar) that I remember having or seeing. There will be no reference to their passing, not appropriate. Without further ado, let's start with the most recently passed:

C: Gary Carter
Memory: His hosting of "This week in Baseball" in 1982 (or so) and the heartbreaking defeat of the Astros in 1986.
1B: Willie Stargell
Memory: 1979 World Series and swapping his Donruss baseball card (below).
2B: Mike Sharperson
Memory: Versatile player for the Dodgers in a time I had a strange like for the franchise.
SS: Jose Uribe
Memory: As an Astros fan growing up, seemed like every game I saw was against the Giants and he was the SS.
3B: Ken Caminiti
Memory: As an Astros fan, remember his defense first and breakout leadership.

OF: Alan Wiggins
Memory: Consummate leadoff hitter of the 1980's, quick, fast, always on base.
OF: Kirby Puckett
Memory: Game 6 of the 1987 World Series, and his personality.
OF: Ivan Calderon
Memory: Hot rookie card for a while, then the cock fighting charges
SP: Joe Niekro
Memory: Astros hero of 1980s, scuffing.
SP: Jose Lima
Memory: Lima time!
SP: Darryl Kile
Memory: Astros, no hitter my dad and brother were at but not me.
SP: Bob Forsch
Memory: Yes, also played for the Astros, theme here?
SP: Mike Flanagan
Memory: Fan of the Orioles in his time, listened to his TV work in the early 2000's.
RP: Dan Quisenberry
Memory: The best relief pitcher of the early 1980's. Period.
RP: Rod Beck
Memory: The Shooter: Great hair, and lived in a trailer in the minors.
RP: Steve Howe
Memory: Incredible talent and a big reason for the Dodgers early 80's success.

RP: Tug McGraw
Memory: 1980 NLCS, and a son who could sing.
RP: Dave Smith
Memory: Every Astros game of my youth, he closed.
Manager: Sparky Anderson
Memory: 1984 World Series, he was at his best
Umpire: John McSherry
Memory: Never heard a complaint about his calls.
Seems like a disproportionate number of Astros here, and I didn't include Vern Ruhle. Or Andujar Cedeno. Did I forget anyone? Just out were Darryl Porter, Eric Show, Aurelio Lopez, Donnie Moore, Nick Adenhart, and Tim Crews. A few others that were a step behind that.

In any event, they all died too young, but provided great memories.