Who Would You Want To Face?

If the season ended today, the Mariners would be assured a spot in the playoffs and a taste of the postseason for the first time since 116 wins in 2001.

Looking at the field of contenders still in play, in your mind, who presents the best matchup for the Mariners? (NOTE: This is strictly a look at the remaining contenders for postseason play not an assumption of potential possible matchups.)

THE CONTENDERS

The Yankees - If there were ever a year to want to face off against George's crew, this might be it. The rotation has been shaky and inconsistent and their ace is....Chin-Ming Wang? That's hard to swallow when you can also trot out your choice of guys by the name of Clemens, Mussina, Pettite, and the youngster Hughes. The bullpen is a whos-who of no names short of the most dominant closer of all time (sorry Trevor). The bats have kept the Yankees afloat and behind A-Rod's monster campaign, Matsui, Posada, Abreu, Jeter, Cano, Cabrera, and a rotating cast including Giambi, Betemit, and Co.

VERDICT: Thumbs up. I'll take my chances that the Yanks are having an off year by their own standards.

The Tigers - The Tigers should absolutely be in the catbird's seat in the Central with their lineup but injuries and inconsistency have slowed their pursuit of back to back trips to an October payoff. Ordonez has not only returned to form but he is having a career year and should get serious consideration as the favorite for MVP. Sheffield showed M's fans why he might be even more feared than Magglio when he parked a grand slam into the bullpen during the Tigers last trip to town. The arms are pure power. Seriously, the Tigers rotation is scary when it's right. Zumaya is back, albeit in a limited capacity but the bullpen is now at full strength for the first time since May.

VERDICT: Thumbs down. The Tigers have too many X-factors. You better believe that their cold streak is well timed and won't be continuing.

The Indians - Cleveland and the M's seem to have intertwined fates this season after their snowed out first week. It would be fitting to see them meet in the playoffs at some point. Chances are good however that we won't see it. The Indians come to town at the end of the regular season and will make up one of those snow days with a double dip. The Indians are chock full of young talent and should be a threat in the next few years, but this team doesn't have enough to go deep in the playoffs.

VERDICT: Thumbs up. I would take on the Indians any day of the week. Too bad this won't likely happen.

The Red Sox - Ooh. This matchup has all the makings of something special. On paper, the Red Sox seem to be the clear favorite. But there is that nagging issue of their recent troubles at Safeco. The M's have had success limiting the damage that Papi and Manny have inflicted. Perdroya is a nice spark plug in the David Eckstein mold but Julio Lugo and Jason Varitek are no longer serious threats with the lumber. The rotation, if healthy, doesn't need to go any more than three deep with Beckett, Dice-K, and Schilling. Throw Tim Wakefield in their in any roll and a 7-8-9 combo of Del Carmen, Gagne, and Papelbon and the game gets markedly more difficult.

VERDICT: Thumbs down. If for no other reason than I am too young to have ulcers from watching David Ortiz kill his former club....David Arias. how far you've come!

The Angels - They are on a mission and show no signs of slowing down. The series beginning on Monday may set the tone for the final month. The Angels play a game of constant motion, led by Chone Figgins and his amazing season. The Angels possess speed throughout the lineup and one of the most unheralded group of arms in the game. In some ways, I think that the difference between the Angels and M's is found only in the quality of starting pitching. Advantage Angels in that regard.

VERDICT: Thumbs up. And I couldn't tell you why!

What's the verdict for you?