The Mariners are a team that Lou can "Manage", pitching, speed, and defense. The old Mariners were built for the Kingdome, lot's of home run hitters, the new Mariners are built around the new park, when they moved to Safeco it was obvious that they would have to change. The addition of Ichiro was a coup that has payed off with bigger benifits than was expected. Bret Boone is having a beyond carrer year and letting Russ "I can't play any defense" Davis go was another smooth move. I think the biggest difference in the team is the middle relief, last two years they were like a bad sieve, this year they go out and hold a lead, getting Jeff Nelson back and the emergence of Paniagua and Arthur Roades has filled that void. That and some early season timely hitting that has given them a confidence and team chenistry that has continued to grow as the season has progressed. How can you explain all of the 2 out rallies, you can't it's just happening. It is fun to watch the Mariners play, this being said from a die-hard A's fan that can only hope my guys regroup and make it to the play offs via the wild card. Stew, forget the Dodgers, they don't even come close to matching what the Mariners have this season. I'll take your bet, but if you lose you have to run around nakid with one of those silly M's hats on!!! LOL
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff