SCOUTING REPORT: Alex who? In the first year AA (After Alex), the Mariners, quite simply, are the best team in baseball. Their 39-12 start is the best since the 1984 Tigers and one of the 10 best all-time. Japanese sensation Ichiro Suzuki has ignited a still-powerful offense (first in the AL in runs), along with Bret Boone and always steady Edgar Martinez and John Olerud. Dominating pitching and tidy fielding have been just as important in their success.

THE PAST WEEK: The Mariners, who played Baltimore late Thursday, have won seven straight and 16 of their last 19.

FLORIDA CONNECTIONS: Left-handed reliever Norm Charlton struggled with the Rays in 1999, then retired early last season, but is back and pitching well for Seattle. ... Reliever Jose Paniagua was an expansion-draft pick by the Rays but waived in March 1998. ... Seattle manager Lou Piniella is a Tampa native and legend.

SEASON SERIES: The Rays' problems with the Mariners have grown each season. Seattle won the 1998 season series 6-5, the 1999 series 8-4 and last year's series 9-3. The Rays are 3-6 at Safeco Field.

WHO'S HOT: Suzuki has hit in 47 of 51 games, including streaks of 15 and 23 games.

WHO'S NOT: Third baseman David Bell is doing better, but he is hitting just .223.

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