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Detroit Tigers
Overall: 46
Title track: 50
Ownership: 27
Coaching: 110
Players: 62
Fan relations: 59
Affordability: 59
Stadium experience: 45
Bang for the buck: 54
Change from last year: -9
The Tigers are perennial contenders, so a finish outside the top third in the standings can be considered a down year (especially considering that these votes were cast before the trade deadline, when the front office hadn't yet given up on the season). Fans agree that most aspects of the Tigers organization remain better than the average sports franchise, though -- and it does still feel like the Tigers have a chance in any given year.
What's good
Though Mike Ilitch is down 19 spots in the ownership category, fans still recognize that he's among the best in sports (he's third in MLB). His deep pockets certainly don't hurt and will be even more welcome next year now that the Tigers have sold off some of their most valuable assets -- starting pitcher David Price, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and reliever Joakim Soria -- and dismissed highly respected general manager Dave Dombrowski, who was subsequently hired by the Red Sox. New GM Al Avila said recently that he intends to be aggressive in pursuing starting pitching, which should comfort disappointed fans.
What's bad
Living up to the reputation of his predecessor Jim Leyland was difficult enough to begin with, but last year's surprise AL Division Series sweep saw manager Brad Ausmus fall another 40 places, all the way to 110th (surprisingly, there are still seven other MLB managers who fared worse). A disgruntled fan base often directed their ire at Ausmus throughout an abysmal 2015 campaign, and though speculation was rampant that he'd get the axe at season's end, the Tigers made the decision to retain him for 2016. It's hard to blame Ausmus for this year's mess, though, especially considering how little he had to work with in terms of pitching: The club's unsightly ERA is at the bottom of league.
What's new
The Tigers have regressed in the standings this year, and for good reason. Though many expected Detroit to contend for a fifth straight Central Division title, the team will be at home for the postseason for the first time since 2010. Add that to 20-plus-spot drops in fan relations and affordability and you've got a recipe for an Ultimate Standings fall.
Next: Minnesota Twins | Full rankings