We wouldn't be surprised if some Mariners fans out there have a nosebleed following events over the weekend. The combination of completing a sweep of the Angels and the Astros losing to the Braves on Sunday, means this is the latest in a season that the M's have held first place in the AL West all to themselves since way back in 2001.
We do appreciate the Mariners have a crucial three-game series coming up in Houston this weekend, which will go a long way towards determining the destiny of the AL West. Still, at the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, the M's are now in a position where they can also potentially get a first-round bye.