You didn't mention the Mariner defense, which has been stellar this year. Losing Cano was actually a defensive upgrade, moving Dee Gordon back to second. Zunino is a great catcher. And Kyle Seager is playing a Gold-Glove-level third base. He scoops up everything, makes incredibly throws, and never needs a break. If he hits .225 with 25 homers, I'm cool with that.

They've been playing garbage teams. This stretch coming up will tell the tale: Seven games against the Red Sox, three against the Yankees, and three against the Angels (who have already won a series against them this year). They've built a cushion, but let's see how they hold up when they're not stomping the Rays, A's, or Tigers.

@2: You know who else has been playing and stomping garbage teams? The Red Sox and Yankees. That's what good teams do.

@3 Touché, other Doug.

Uh, nobody beats Triangle Man, because he's smart enough not to fight anyone who could, like, say, Universe Man.