Ultimate Team Rankings

ESPN.com's SportsNation came out with their annual survey of professional sports franchises, based on 8 different criteria from affordability to owners. Lets break down the numbers a little bit. First, the categories (straight from the ESPN.com website).

Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.

Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management.

Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.

Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions.

Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.

Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it.

Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership.

Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans.

All points averaged together had the Nationals ranked #78 out of the 122 franchises in the four major North American sports.

Here are their individual rankings:
Bang for the Buck: 87
Fan Relations: 73
Ownership: 73
Affordability: 44
Stadium Experience: 66
Players: 75
Coaching: 83
Title Track: 95

It comes as little surprise that the Nationals garnered their worst ratings in the Bang for the Buck category; essentially judging the Nats performance on the field. It also comes as little surprise that the Nats placed well in the affordability category, due to their $5 walk-up tickets, and 10$ sections all over the park.

The title track section is definitely the most depressing, meaning we shouldn't be expecting a parade down South Capitol Street anytime in the near future.

How did the Nats fare with the rest of Major League Baseball, and the rest of DC?

Nats Rank 23rd in MLB - sandwiched between the New York Yankees at #22 and the Boston Red Sox at #24.

And in DC the Nats are 2nd behind the Capitals (27th) and well ahead of the Wizards (110th) and Redskins (121st).

The Nats are listed behind the Orioles who come in at #67.

What does all this mean? Not much, but it's still fun.

So, do the Nats deserve their 78th rating? Sound off in the comments.