Model Sports Franchises

Just received the latest issue of Sports Illustrated and the cover States that the St.Louis Cardinals are baseball's model franchise. Have not read the article yet...have to get through the next book for this blog! :) Anyway, it got me thinking about model franchises and what makes a franchise "a model" one. I see three important characteristics. 1) Consistent results on the field. This doesn't mean championships every year or even playoffs. But the team will be a factor year in and year out. 2) Stability in the owner's box, coaching staff and roster. The best example of this is the NBA's model franchise, the San Antonio Spurs. When was the last time you heard that the Spurs were for sale, fired the GM, or let go of the coach? And how long has the core of Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker been there? Stability at its finest. 3) Players want to play for the team for reasons other than money. Yes, today's sports landscape rarely allows players to stay with one team for long. But when players want to sign with a team like the New England Patriots, how can you not take notice and try to see what they are doing right? Those three teams, along with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, make up the model franchises for each sport. Do you agree? If not, which franchises are they? And why? Let's have some fun with this topic.