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This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!Philadelphia PhilliesOverall: 88 Title track: 32 Ownership: 70 Coaching: 78 Players: 96 Fan relations: 92 Affordability: 75 Stadium experience: 63 Bang for the buck: 118 Change from last year: +30After four straight years of backsliding, the Phillies won 71 games and drew 1.9 million fans to Citizens Bank Park in 2016. Those numbers might not sound like much, but any step in the right direction is good news after several years of disrepair -- or at least, fans think so, based on a 30-spot jump in these rankings. This is a classic light at the end of the tunnel scenario.Whats goodBesides a title track of 32 (we see you, 2008 title!), the teams best showing comes in stadium experience (63rd). Citizens Bank Park is a fun place to watch a game, and Phillies fans are passionate enough to come back in droves once the team starts winning. That might not be too far off: The front office made some tough calls by trading Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley in 2015. This year, Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz, the final links to the teams glory days, finished their tenures in Phillies red. The Phillies have made a greater commitment to analytics, and theyve done a good enough job of stockpiling young talent that their farm system ranks among the top 10 in the majors.Whats badThe Phillies average ticket price of $41.50 ranks fourth-highest among MLB teams, behind that of only the Red Sox, Yankees and Cubs and $15 less than the average price for the division-rival Mets. The franchise has posted a .432 aggregate win percentage the past four seasons, so its no wonder the Phils rank 118th in bang for the buck. Although the system has plenty of depth, it remains to be seen if Maikel Franco, J.P. Crawford, Odubel Herrera, Aaron Nola and the next wave of players have the talent to get the franchise over the top. The Phillies went 11-18 in September and October under manager Pete Mackanin to squander some of the good vibes generated earlier in the season.Whats newDespite the late swoon, Philly fanatics clearly feel better about Mackanin than they ever did Ryne Sandberg (coaching is up 44 spots to 78th from, yes, 122nd in 2015). Ownership, too, is on the rise -- up 30 spots -- and could continue to rise if the Phillies step up on the free-agent market this year. The departures of Howard and Ruiz (who made a combined $33.5 million in 2016) give president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and general manager Matt Klentak latitude to make some waves. The Phillies are likely to pursue a veteran starter and a bat this winter, though its hard to imagine them going too crazy in a weak year for free agents.Next: Tampa Bay Rays?| Full rankingsCheap College Jerseys .S District Court against Major League Baseball, the Office of the Commissioner and his own union, the MLBPA. Wholesale NFL Jerseys USA . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. https://www.cheapnfljerseysjustwholesale.com/cheap-nba-jerseys . The parade and rally were held to celebrate the Saskatchewan Roughriders 45-23 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday in the CFLs championship game. Wholesale NFL Jerseys . Wall made the comment in a speech to a Regina business crowd that included Lesnar. The U.S. wrestler and retired mixed martial artist says he was visiting his brothers farm in Saskatchewan and decided he wanted to hear what the premier had to say. Cheap Jerseys . -- Team after team passed on Andre Ellington in the draft.RIO DE JANEIRO -- Fabian Cancellara couldnt imagine competing at the highest level of cycling another eight years, which is how long it would take him to match American rider Kristin Armstrongs longevity.No, definitely not, the Swiss rider said. I mean, 35 or 44 or whatever age you have, its everyones own choice how long you want to continue.The answer for both of them is no more.The 35-year-old Cancellara confirmed he is sticking with his plan to retire this season after winning the gold medal in the Olympic time trial. And Armstrong also said she was content with her place in the sport after grabbing her third-consecutive time trial gold on Wednesday, the eve of her 43rd birthday.Any athlete would like to keep coming back, but there does come a point where you wont be able to perform at that level any longer, she said. Ive probably pushed it to the maximum level.Ask any athlete how he or she wants to go out and chances are youll hear: On top. Still, far too many cling to the spotlight too long, their skills diminished and ability eroded by the constant churning of time.Yet the Olympics are one place where athletes historically step away at their peak. For one thing, its the worlds biggest sporting stage. More practically, many athletes cant imagine going through four more years of the training, injuries, travel and competition that come with working toward the quadrennial extravaganza.American swimmer Mark Spitz retired at 22 after capturing a then-record seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Eight years later, Mike Eruzione led the United States hockey team to its Miracle on Ice gold-medal upset over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid, then decided to retire when he realized he could never match what he accomplished that winter.A combination of factors pushed Cancellara and Armstrong to retire.Sure, Cancellaras age was a consideration, but the Swiss cyclist also had other priorities. The amount of time he has dedicated to training over 16 years as a professional is mind-numbing, the commitment to eating right and recovvering properly draining.dddddddddddd.He has a wife and two daughters, and wants to see all of them more.Two gold medals, the silver medal, and especially this gold medal in the last days and weeks of my life as a sports athlete makes me very proud, he said, and closing my history as an athlete like this, yeah, its more than anything I thought possible.Armstrong said age came into play, too, noting it took two full days of cold baths, massage and recovery following Sundays road race to be ready for the time trial. It didnt always used to be that hard.But she also has a life at home in Boise, Idaho, that beckons her. Five-year-old son Lucas was at the finish line along the Brazilian coast to greet his mom on Wednesday, and Armstrong enjoys doting on him too much to spend so much time away. Shes also the director of community health at a hospital, and wants to spend more time doing the kind of outreach that truly drives her these days.Ill go back home and everyone will be super excited, my super fans, Armstrong said, and Ill go on with my legacy -- being to help improve the health of people in Idaho.Both riders acknowledged they will never be able to fully divorce themselves from the sport, and their accomplishments make that virtually impossible. Cancellara is recognized not just in Switzerland but across Europe. He is one of the most popular riders of his generation, the powerhouse known as Spartacus.And every time Armstrong goes to an Albertsons grocery store back in Boise, an in-and-out trip to grab milk and eggs turns into an hourlong odyssey. People want to stop and chitchat, and Armstrong has a hard time saying no -- especially to the kids.My husband will be like, `Where did you really go? Armstrong said. I spend time with people in my community, and thats what Im grateful for. One of the things I cant wait for is my next school visit and to talk to kids and show them my gold medal. I cant wait. ' ' '