Since the famed book about the Oakland A’s is called “Moneyball,” let us first do what you’re always supposed to do and follow the money. The Athletics have a payroll of $93.1 million, just barely more than the White Sox level in Spotrac of $91.5 million, and the only team close to the Sox. That makes Oakland 25th, the Sox 26th, both well below the major league average of $135.9 million.
The A’s, with an average strength of schedule, are 65-50 and very much in the AL wild card chase. The Sox, with the second-easiest schedule in MLB, are 51-62 and very much on their way to a seventh consecutive losing season.