It was the worst-case scenario for the Mariners—a sweep. Before the series started, the Mariners were sitting just one game back of Oakland. Oakland was going into a series with Detroit and things looked great. Sure, the season is not over, but the Mariners have not been in first place at this point or later in the season for some time. With attendance at Safeco Field dwindling—still good numbers though—it is vital that this team shows some life soon.

The Angels had other plans. They were just a handful of games out of first place and looking to make a run before the All Star break. Last season the Mariners destroy the Angels before the All Star break and cooled them off. In a bit of irony, it was the Angels turn this year. The games were not really that close. The Angels came into Seattle and took care of business. Unfortunately, for both teams, Oakland won 2 of the three games from Detroit.

Seattle lost two games and dropped to 3 games back. Sure, it could have been worse and perhaps now it is. Starting tomorrow, Seattle is welcoming the red hot Detroit Tigers to town. Having just lost 2 of 3 in Oakland, they are going to be looking for blood. The Mariners have lost 4 straight and must stop this downward trend. They worked very hard to get where they are now. At one point they were 10 games under .500. Now, they could give it all back in one week if things don’t work out.

The Angels are disappointed. They went into Seattle and swept a hot Mariners team. What do they have to show for it? One lousy game. Since Oakland won 2 of 3 from Detroit, the Angels only gained one game. Still, it’s one game. The Angels now sit 4 games back of division leading Oakland—and the Angels are in last place. The entire AL West is in the thick of it. Right now, the Angels are playing very well.

It’s come down to this. The Angels just arrived in Oakland for a series before the All Star break. If they can sweep, they can dramatically improve their standing. The Mariners are pulling for them. At the break, we could have one huge traffic jam in the AL West. The Texas Rangers are at home against the red hot Twins. It’s a series that the Rangers can and probably will lose.

Tomorrow, the series between Detroit and the Mariners kicks off. Pineiro is pitching for the Mariners. I am sure he would like to forget his last pitching performance. It was horrible. Hopefully he can pitch better at home. If not, Detroit is going to score a handful of runs early and run away with the game. For the next few days, the AL West is a great division to watch. The second half of the season is being set up right now. It’s going to be one wild ride.