The Mariners enjoyed a 5-2 sim.  The batters continue to smack the
ball.  The team enjoys a .309 team batting average while averaging over
2 home runs a game.  The return of Craig Biggio should provide a needed
boost as Desi Relaford has filled in well in the field but the bat has
disappointed.  Ken Griffey is looking for his second triple crown and
could threaten hitting .400.  The move of letting Kevin Appier to leave
via free agency and protect Carl Everett was meet with disappointment by
most Mariner fans.  With Shawn Green ready to take over in RF protecting
Everett made no sense.  Everett has shown that management made the
correct choice to the tune of .368 with 5 HRs and 12 RBIs from the 7th
slot in the batting order.  The pitching has been a surprise.  The
Mariners believed that the bullpen would be weak and starting pitching
strong (except for Sean Bergman).  The season has shown just the
opposite:  Bergman and the bullpen have done a great job while some
starters have struggled.  Starters Bergman - Ashby - Hamilton have been
AWESOME.  The trouble is with Paul Wilson and Curt Schilling.  Wilson
has struggled before and rumors fly that he might be going elsewhere as
management sees the potential he has but is losing faith.  Schilling is
a real mystery he has pitched well in the past and sudden appears to
have fallen apart.  Rumors swirl that possible off field troubles are
what is causing this slump.  Schilling would not comment on his
performance and only said," if we win the series then I will be happy." 
Well if the Mariners want to win the Series Schilling better start
playing better.  With all of this the pitching staff still enjoys a 2.40
ERA and are holding opponents to a .237 batting average.  The season
looks good for the Mariners and hopefully those that are doing well will
continue and those that are struggling will turn it around.