USA Today Ranks the Cardinals as the 4th best franchise…

Hmmmm.

There are elements thaht I sipport in their analysis, but they fall painfully short in others.  He’s the criteria they used.  What’s your opinion?

1. Postseason success: Teams were awarded 12 points for winning a World Series, eight for losing a World Series, six for losing a League Championship Series and four for losing a Division Series.

2. Regular-season success: Teams were ranked by their five-year winning percentages. No. 1 was given 30 points; No. 2, 29 points; No. 3, 28 points; etc.

3. This season’s regular-season success: Teams were ranked by their 2008 winning percentage and awarded points in the following allotments:

•1-3 in winning%.: 10 points

•4-6: 9 points

•7-9: 8 points

•10-12: 7 points

•13-15: 6 points

•16-18: 5 points

•19-21: 4 points

•22-24: 3 points

•25-27: 2 points

•28-30: 1 point

4. Drafting/signing success: Teams were awarded a point for each player they drafted or signed as a non-drafted free agent since 2002 who has reached the majors, regardless of with which team. (We went back to 2002 in this category to give players, many of whom are signed as teenagers, a chance to make the majors.) An additional point was awarded for each player who won a rookie of the year award and one point was given if he became an All-Star.

5. Front-office continuity: Teams started with 10 points and lost one point with every change of manager or general manager in the last five seasons.

BTW…The Red Sox wer number 1 and I absolutely agree!

Full rankings HERE

Via Pitch3r