Coming Attractions

Sporting News, The, August 6, 2001

It's not too early to ask: Can the Mariners set a record for wins? They'll have to put up 115 to set the A.L. mark, 117 to set the major league mark. They're on pace to win 117. Let's assume they don't pack it in after clinching the A.L. West--didn't they clinch back in June, anyway? Starting Wednesday, they face 11 teams in their final 56 games.

Four of those teams (19 games) can be called playoff contenders. A prediction: The Mariners will coast to the record after going 17-4 in September against Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Texas and Anaheim.... The Atlanta-Houston series (August 7-9) could be a playoff preview. Watch Greg Maddux. He "struggles" in August (3.38 ERA since '98, his worst month). He's 3-1 with a 4.59 ERA in his last five starts against the Astros.