By Chris and Henry
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Its been a great year for Seattle sports. The Seahawks are Super Bowl champs, the Sounders have the lead in the MLS, the Huskies are undefeated so far, and the Mariners are FINALLY in a playoff race. It's been a very long ten plus years for the Mariners, but they finally have a chance to end the misery.
It may look very grim right now, but there is a tiny chance that the Mariners could still make the playoffs. They are two games back of the Kansas City Royals with six games left in the season. The chances may be slim, but a 5-1 record to close the season would give them a good chance. Even if they do finish strong, the more likely possibility is a tie with the Royals for the last wild card spot. If this happens they would play a one game playoff against Kansas City and the winner would play another one game series against the Oakland. IF they won both of these games they would play a series against one of the division winners. Although this may happen, the Mariners season does look close to being over. All the hard work, and tough games will only be a step in the right direction, not a playoff appearance.
Earlier in the season the Mariners signed super-star,Robinson Cano on a 10 year contract worth 240 million dollars. Everybody thought the Mariners overpaid for him but they wouldn't be in the same position without him. Even with the addition of Cano their offense has been ok at best and their pitching has carried them through the year. They have done that with the best bullpen in baseball and a team earned run average of 3.18 which is one of the best in baseball.
Even if the Mariners don't make the playoffs, they have proved that they have potential to be a championship contender. But that doesn't mean they haven't given up hope. Manager Lloyd McClendon is confident is his team and if they can finish the last six games strong, there just might be a chance of making the playoffs. The Royals have faltered down the stretch in recent years, and any Royals loss right now, will give the Mariners a glimpse of hope.
If the Mariners do make the playoffs, they will have to play a single game against the other wild card team to get into the playoffs. They have one of the best pitchers in baseball in Felix Hernandez, so they have a chance if they can get there!
