SEAside Thoughts: Derby, Ohtani, the All-Star game, and a Week to Remember for Seattle

The Mid-Summer Classic is over, what's On Deck?

The Seattle Mariners hosting the all-star game was such a bittersweet experience. I remember watching the 2001 festivities as an 8 year old and dreaming of going if Seattle ever got a chance to host again. I wasn't able to go this time either as a 30 year old, but hopefully that 2044 All-Star game will be the one!

From everything you read or see on tv, Seattle put on a tremendous performance and made a special night for baseball even bigger and better. Now that it's over m, it's time for the late July push. The dog days of summer for some, the Mariners are about to start a massive 10 game homestand. The previous 10 games salvaged their season, but the next 10 will decide if Seattle is buying, selling, or both.

A three game series against the lowly Detroit Tigers, a four game set against the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Canadian Invasion will define Jerry Dipoto's deadline approach. If the Mariners go 6-4 or better, I'd expect them to be aggressive buyers. Anything less and I think they're open for business.

Could the Mariners add an impact bat or another quality starting pitcher? Yes. Could the Mariners also trade Teoscar Hernandez and Paul Sewald? Yes. Could they do both? Yes!

All options are on the table, but one thing is clear to me, the AL is open for the taking. Tampa Bay and Texas both struggled mightily heading into the break. Houston is dealing with injuries and was humbled at home against Seattle. The Angels appear close to dead.

If Seattle can build off their strong momentum, there's a chance these Mariners reach those lofty goals that felt extinguished just two weeks ago.

Go M's