The Mariners have won seven of their last eight series and open up a three-game series Monday at home against the Royals (25-17), who are possibly the biggest surprise contender in baseball.

We're in the home stretch of the Major League Baseball season and every day the Mariners seem to improve ... "in" if the playoffs started today, Seattle has a two game lead on Toronto.

Despite a transcendent second-half from Rodríguez, and one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the remainder of Seattle ... greatest players in franchise history. ** Luis Castillo was the model ...