Here are the 1st Power Rankings of 2021 1. Dodgers 2. Padres 3. Yankees 4. Braves 5. Twins 13. Astros https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-power-rankings-to-begin-2021 I see Alyson and staff don't have much faith in our young guns. But 13th? Really?
meh. Kind of makes all the ups and downs of the offseason mute if something close to this happens regarding playoffs. Astros made the postseason last year with an irregularly large number of pitcher injuries per game.
Astros’ 2021 Payroll Preview Projected 40-man CBT Payroll - $195,882,977 CB Tax Threshold - $210,000,000 Amount under threshold - $14,117,023 https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2021/2/3/22264286/astros-2021-payroll-preview
CBT payroll seems a bit light. The 0-3 years players (9) is for 9 players. As guys will get hurt, this probably should be more as the injured player and the replacement player both get paid. Also, September callups (if they are still doing this) will add some salary. Roster Resource has it at about $3M more. Also, Pressly's contract is reported as $6.8M towards the luxury tax based on a 3-year contract. There is some disagreement on whether Pressly's 2019 contract was torn up and he was given a 3-year deal or that he signed a 2-year deal that would take effect after the 2019 contract. This is about a $2M difference from Roster Resource who has it at $8.75M. MLB reported it as a 2-year deal. I'd go with MLB's numbers.
Position battles to watch at Astros spring training https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2021/02/19/position-battles-to-watch-at-astros-spring-training/
Thinking ahead to the regular season, beyond the Astros, I was looking at the projections posted above in the A.L. East. The NYY look to have an easy ride in their division. Used to be, you could always count on the Red Sox to give them problems. More recently, Tampa was up there. Not in 2021. Are the Blue Jays the 2nd best team there? Will they be good enough to make the NYY even notice?
