" This is John Paul -- reported foxsports.com. The murders weren't supposed to be good this year they have the first your general manager checks forensic and a first year manager Don -- and not -- But the the American League surprised T running a close third in the west division. Seattle is -- and the All-Star break with a winning record. For only the second time since 2003. Thanks in large part to a vastly improved pitching staff. Under first year pitching coach Rick Adair the Mariners have the lowest team ERA in the week. Almost one full run better than last year Jared Washburn. Who shut out the Orioles on one hit Monday night. Had his best single season ERA in twelve years as a big leaguer. Young ace Felix Hernandez in the first time All-Star. And there could be many more selections in his future. Erik Bedard threw well in his return from the disabled list Tuesday night an encouraging sign. In the bullpen closer David Aardsma and set up -- whites are having career years. The Milwaukee Brewers would love to trade for Washburn or Bedard but right now the -- are simply too close to the top of the standings to make that type of move. The Mariners also have the second lowest run total in the American League. But it had just enough timely hitting to win games. Journeyman first base and Russell Branyan who ranks among the league leaders in home runs. Was one of last winter's best signings. And we can't forget about Ichiro Suzuki at least until -- qualifies for the batting title Ichiro leads the league in hitting. He's reached 200 hits in each of the last eight seasons in record in the modern era and he's well on his way to number nine. Right now it looks like Seattle baseball fans let mortem following September in the annual Ichiro kick."