Seattle Mariners Friday Five: Things To Watch For This Weekend

Jun 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (23) sits in the dugout before a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

5- Playoff Positioning Will Change This Weekend

After this weekend, there will still be 39 games remaining. However, if the Mariners win two or more of the three games with Detroit, they will go to bed Sunday night with sole possession of the second AL wild-card spot.

If they lose two or more, they will still be looking up at Detroit.

Not only could the Mariners jump past the Tigers in the wild-card hunt, but with Oakland playing in Atlanta, the M’s could gain some more ground on the AL west-leading Athletics.

In a best case scenario, the Mariners sweep the Tigers, the Angels are swept by the Rangers and the Braves sweep the A’s. That would put Seattle 2.5 games ahead in the second wild-card spot, 2.5 games back of the Angels for the first wild-card spot and just 4.5 games back of the AL West lead.

Worst case scenario, the Tigers sweep the M’s, the A’s sweep the Braves, the Angels sweep the Rangers and the Blue Jays sweep the White Sox. That would put Seattle 10.5 back of Oakland, 8.5 back of the Angels, 3.5 back of Detroit and only a half game ahead of the Blue Jays.

Regardless of what happens, this weekend looks to be filled with exciting baseball. It’s a good feeling to have this late in the season.

Enjoy your weekend.