Written by Andrew Clayman

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Wouldn't it be more optimistic to raise the ball on New Year's Eve? I've never understood intentionally starting a year out on a downward trajectory (despite the Browns' fondness for it). In any case, with the calendar flipped and football finished, it seems a fitting time to revist our ongoing search for the new face of Cleveland sports. It's the first 2012 edition of the Cleveland Sports Power Rankings!

If you'll recall, these Power Rankings work pretty much like the ones scattered about every major internet sports site, in which pompous writers who never played or coached at any level see fit to decree the quality of every team or player, arranging them in descending order based on a complex but essentially random mathematical formula. In our case, we're ranking current members of the Cavs, Browns, and Indians-- with players, coaches, and front office people rated on their individual "Star Power"-- a metric of success and popularity that breaks down into four subsections: On-Field Performance (OP), Local Recognition (LR), National Recognition (NR), and Marketability (M). For each one of these sub-categories, the player in question gets a 1-10 ranking, and the combination of the four scores is his STAR POWER RATING (with 40.0 being the highest possible SPR, reserved for the likes of Bob Feller, Jim Brown, and a pre-balding LeBron James). So, on to the latest results.

 Cleveland Sports Power Rankings: January 2, 2012

#1 Peyton Hillis  33.0
Running Back, Browns | OP: 6.5, LR: 9, NR: 9, M: 8.5 | Previous Rank: #3
If not for the dearth of superstars in Cleveland sports, Peyton Hillis’ disastrous 2011 campaign would have sent him tumbling down the rankings like a Plinko chip. Instead, the Madden cover boy’s encouraging late season resurgence puts him back on top as the city’s biggest name—even though he might have played his final game as a Brown.

#2 Kyrie Irving  32.0
Point Guard, Cavaliers | OP: 7, LR: 8, NR: 8, M: 9 | Previous Rank: #11
Just one week into his rookie season, the Cavs’ #1 overall pick has already passed the eye test as a worthy new centerpiece for the franchise, and should be Cleveland’s most marketable sports star in 2012.

#3 Asdrubal Cabrera  30.5
Shortstop, Indians | OP: 8.5, LR: 8, NR: 7.5, M: 6.5 | Previous Rank: #5
After exceeding all expectations in 2011, the Tribe shortstop will come to spring training as the team’s clear offensive and defensive focal point.

#4 Josh Cribbs  30.5
Wide Receiver, Browns | OP: 6.5, LR: 8.5, NR: 7.5, M: 8 | Previous Rank: #1
He finally ended a two-year TD return drought with an 83 yard burst against Baltimore, but Cribbs has hung around the top five more for his name recognition than his efforts as a wide receiver (although he ended the season with his best receiving day of the year).

#5 Joe Thomas  29.5
OT, Browns | OP: 8.5, LR: 9, NR: 7, M: 5 | Previous Rank: #6
Another year, another Pro Bowl. Thomas may never be a household name due to the position he plays, but no other Cleveland athlete could be considered a perennial all-star at his position.

#6 Grady Sizemore  28.5
Center Fielder, Indians | OP: 3, LR: 9.5, NR: 7.5, M: 8.5 | Previous Rank: #15
Grady’s ladies will be pleased to see their man back in the top ten, as the oft-injured outfielder’s surprising decision to return to Cleveland elevated his local star power stock to its highest level in years.

#7 D'Qwell Jackson  28.5
Linebacker, Browns | OP: 8.5, LR: 8, NR: 6, M: 6 | Previous Rank: #13
Safe to say we didn’t quite realize how much we were missing when Jackson was recovering from pectoral injuries the last two years. Now, in a just world, he is your 2011 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

#8 Dan Gilbert  28.0
Owner, Cavaliers | OP: 5, LR: 9, NR: 7, M: 7 | Previous Rank: #9
He’s either an out-of-touch embarrassment or the fiery figurehead of the spurned Cleveland sports universe—or maybe both. But Gilbert has earned some humanity points in 2011 for his work with his son on Neurofibromatosis research, helping him emerge from the NBA lockout seemingly unscathed in the public opinion department.

#9 Justin Masterson  27.5
Starting Pitcher, Indians | OP: 8, LR: 8, NR: 5, M: 6.5 | Previous Rank: #8
Justin’s celebrity ceiling is probably pretty low, but he’s your legit ace heading into the 2012 season, with the Tribe’s playoff hopes likely hinging on his right arm.

#10 Joe Haden  27.5
Cornerback, Browns | OP: 6, LR: 8.5, NR: 5, M: 8 | Previous Rank: #4
If star power was solely about marketability and enthusiasm, Haden would be battling for the top spot, but for those who’ve been paying attention, Joe has actually taken a step back on the field this year, with a string of blown assignments and a shocking ZERO interceptions.

#11 Anderson Varejao  27.0
Center, Cavaliers | OP: 6.5, LR: 7.5, NR: 6, M: 7 | Previous Rank: #16
Coming back from an injury plagued 2010-11, Anderson is probably taken for granted more than any other Cleveland athlete. His inside presence and constant energy will be key in setting a standard for youngsters like Tristan Thompson.

#12 Carlos Santana  27.0
Catcher/1B, Indians | OP: 7, LR: 8, NR: 6, M: 6 | Previous Rank: #12
With his offensive skills, the Axe Man is either a decent first baseman or a terrific catcher, but his glove presents some questions at both positions.

#13 Phil Dawson  26.5
Kicker, Browns | OP: 8.5, LR: 8, NR: 4, M: 6 | Previous Rank: #23
Slowly but surely, a local cult seems to have grown around the Browns’ longest tenured player, and his phenomenal 2011 season and unlikely TCF banner status have only made matters worse.

#14 Travis Hafner  26.0
DH, Indians | OP: 5, LR: 8, NR: 6.5, M: 6.5 | Previous Rank: #14
Pronk continues to hover around the middle of the rankings, still beloved for past heroics as he enters the final year of his massive, albatross contract.

#15 Shin-Soo Choo  25.5
Right Fielder, Indians | OP: 5, LR: 8, NR: 7, M: 5.5 | Previous Rank: #17
The Choo Choo train was on its way to elite status when it suddenly, confusingly derailed in 2011. Even so, there is no reason to think a healthy BLC won’t bounce back for the Tribe this season.

#16 Colt McCoy  25.5
Quarterback, Browns | OP: 3.5, LR: 7.5, NR: 5.5, M: 9 | Previous Rank: #7
Everyone agrees that Colt’s failings were caused by a lack of weapons, it’s just whether you’re talking about his mediocre teammates or McCoy’s own limited arsenal of skills. Either way, it’s a shame to see such a good spirited, tough kid go out the way he apparently has.

#17 Jason Kipnis  25.0
Second Baseman, Indians | OP: 6, LR: 7.5, NR: 3.5, M: 8 | Previous Rank: #21
The “We Are All Kipnises” campaign only took about a week and a half to get going, which should tell you how much untapped star power the scrappy Tribe second baseman has heading into 2012.

#18 Antawn Jamison 24.5
Forward, Cavaliers | OP: 5, LR: 7, NR: 6.5, M: 6 | Previous Rank: --
It was a long time ago, but Jamison is the only Cav who’s ever been an all-star, and his on-court production this season will probably prove secondary to the example he sets for his teenage teammates.

#19 Ubaldo Jimenez  24.0
Starting Pitcher, Indians | OP: 3, LR: 5.5, NR: 8, M: 7.5 | Previous Rank: #19
Hopefully some winter ball and a little defragmenting of the hard drive will put the Indians’ X-factor back in touch with the filthy stuff he showcased for Colorado in 2010.

#20 Jabaal Sheard  24.0
Defensive End, Browns | OP: 8, LR: 7, NR: 4.5, M: 4.5 | Previous Rank: --
Phil Taylor was taken first and had a solid season, but Sheard has proven to be Heckert’s best draft find, racking up eight sacks and looking like a star in the making.

#21 Chris Perez  24.0
Relief Pitcher, Indians | OP: 6, LR: 7, NR: 5, M: 6 | Previous Rank: --
The Indians closer was nowhere near as dominant in 2011 as he was in 2010, but halfway through the hot stove, he has survived trade rumors to remain the team’s furry fireman.

#22 Tristan Thompson  23.0
Forward, Cavaliers | OP: 4.5, LR: 7, NR: 3.5, M: 8 | Previous Rank: --
Fans moaned when the Cavaliers took the young Texas forward with the #4 overall pick, but he has already begun winning over the faithful with his inspired play, blocked shots, and (as a major upgrade over J.J. Hickson) smarts.

#23 Greg Little  21.5
Wide Receiver, Browns | OP: 5.5, LR: 6.5, NR: 3.5, M: 6 | Previous Rank: #24
A severe case of the dropsies has cast a cloud over the second round draft pick, but he’s also one of the few Browns playmakers who’s looked capable of actually making plays.

#24 Vinnie Pestano  21.0
Relief Pitcher, Indians | OP: 7, LR: 6, NR: 2, M: 6 | Previous Rank: #25
The popular Tribe hurler remains the set-up man for now, but it will be interesting to see where his electric stuff takes him in his second season.

#25 Ahtyba Rubin  20.5
Defensive Tackle, Browns | OP: 7.5, LR: 6, NR: 2, M: 5 | Previous Rank: --
The Browns have to feel good about extending Rubin for another three years, as the highly underrated nose tackle continues to look like one of the best sixth round picks since Tom Brady.

So how will this list re-arrange itself over the months ahead? The Browns are entering hibernation and the Tribe is still four months from opening day. That means Kyrie and the young Cavs have a chance to showcase their talents and rescue the franchise from the deep doldrums of the Decision aftermath. Ramon Sessions certainly is on the cusp of the Top 25. Boobie could find his way back. Maybe even Alonzo Gee has more Star Power than we thought. We shall see.