SCOUTING REPORT: The Mariners seemed to be in trouble - though not as much as you read in the paper - after losing two of three to the Devil Rays last week, and nine of 12, and falling two games out of first.
They rebounded and swept Baltimore over the weekend but couldn't make up any ground on the A's, who swept the Rays.
The Mariners can be one of the most entertaining teams to watch and one of the most frustrating to play against. Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most exciting players in the game, Edgar Martinez one of the most prolific hitters, Mike Cameron one of the most athletic players, Bret Boone perhaps the most valuable player in the league.
Their pitching staff, comprised of some relative unknowns, is one of the most effective, with their five starters combining for 64 wins and their bullpen stocking three closers: Armando Benitez and Kaz Sasaki, now in setup roles, and Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who is 13-for-13 in save opportunities.
And their defense, especially with three centerfielders in the outfield - Ichiro, Cameron and ex-Ray Randy Winn - is the most impressive you'll see.
The Mariners did some Aug. 31 roster deadline juggling, but the net result by tonight should be the addition of a few bit players, including catcher Pat Borders and pitcher Brian Sweeney.
DISABLED LIST: INF Greg Colbrunn.
CONNECTIONS: Where do you start? Rays manager Lou Piniella and coaches Chris Bosio, Lee Elia, John McLaren and Matt Sinatro worked in Seattle. Al Martin played there, and Antonio Perez and Jorge Sosa were minor-league prospects. Winn was a Devil Rays expansion draft pick, Borders played in the Rays minor-league system and bullpen coach Orlando Gomez had the same job with the Rays.
SEASON SERIES: The teams have split the first six games. Overall, the Mariners lead 38-21, 19-8 at the Trop.
[Last modified September 2, 2003, 01:31:52]
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