I actually think the CBT is a smokescreen for the real issue. Arte does not want to go over a certain yearly payroll. Which is fine. He knows how much the Angels really are spending. From front office salaries, to scouting, to whatever payments the Angels are making to whatever entities. People say he is a businessman. And if that's true, then he knows his bottom line.
For simplicity sake. Opening day payroll.
2011 $141
2012 $151
2013 $137
2014 $154
2015 $146
2016, right now, we are standing at $147 million. That seems to be within the comfort range. And I really think that this is his true comfort number, and that the CBT is his way of saying he's spending near max.