Although the Astros are experiencing the dread “World Series hangover” this season, not to mention devastating injuries, nonetheless, the team’s record of 41-34 is still good enough to qualify for the playoffs this year if play ended today.
The Astros payroll, according to some sources, estimated at $192, 667, 223, is the tenth most in baseball. And yet they have a better record than five of the teams ahead of them in payroll, and are only a half-game behind the Yankees and Dodgers. The four biggest spenders are the Mets, a below .500 team at an astonishing $353.5 million; the Yankees at $277 million; and the Padres and Phillies, each over $240 million. None lead their division. The…
