If the season ended and the playoffs started today, here's what the odds would look like:

Dodgers: #3 in active payroll, current #1 favorite to win WS

Phillies: #2 in active payroll, currently #2 favorite

Brewers: #20 in active payroll, currently #3 favorite

Mariners: #11 in active payroll, currently #4 favorite

Blue Jays: #5 in active payroll, currently #5 favorite

Rays: #24 in active payroll, currently #14 favorite

I skipped down because beyond the Brewers, the top 13 teams favored to win the World Series are all in the top half of active payroll according to the link discussed earlier in the season. Money wins ball games, whether people like it or not.

there's total payroll and active payroll columns in your link, which will you be using, and when?

@Tripping that’s a good question. I’ll take a look after work today, because I am not sure if the deferred payroll is rolled into total or active or neither.

My first thought is active only because Bobby Bonilla exists, but also, I have to see if the differences between the two are marginal or substantial enough to really make a difference either way.

Tentatively, I’m going to say active payroll. Will confirm by tomorrow.

@Tripping I know I said tomorrow, but I am following up to say yes, I will be using active payroll, and I will try to keep an eye out for teams in the 14-18 range and where they stand when the postseason approaches.