Still in the running--but lacking runs

It used to be we talked about the Mariners not losing three games in a row. Now we just wish they could win three in a row. The last time that happened, May 15-17, they were a respectable 29-12 on the season. Since then, the M's have gone 12-15.

Lack of hitting
Though they are still on top of the American League West by one game, the M's lack of hitting in the clutch has cost them a lot of games.

In the latest series with San Diego they left 33 runners on base.

Missing Edgar
It hasn't helped that Edgar has been out of the lineup. His presence in the third spot could help some Mariners relax more instead of feeling they have to push harder. Boone, Olerud, Cirillo and even Ichiro have played in the third position as Lou changes the batting order constantly to try to generate more offense.

Edgar's first day back, as a pinch hitter on June 14, the team won-hopefully it's a good omen.

Mental problems
The "2001 Syndrome" could be the reason for some player's slumps. Boone, Cameron and others might be trying too hard to live up to the notoriety they attained last year.

According to Piniella a hitting slump "always starts with mechanics and then it gets to the more fatal stage, the mental." A player may be hitting well, but then starts to over-swing or do too much and slumps. Then they start analyzing why they are not hitting and they can't hit.

Base running boo-boos
Poor base running has cost the Mariners several games. The last time they met Oakland the M's shut down at least three rallies and Snelling with mistakes running the pads.

It could be a case of being too anxious to produce runs. Obviously, it is sometimes a case of lack of concentration-as when Ben Davis ran back to first thinking Cirillo's hit had been caught, when it actually had not, or Boone's wide turn at second when the center fielder threw behind him.

Seven of the last fifteen losses were by only one point. What a difference a base-running blunder can make.

Consistency
The Mariners must be more consistent if they hope to maintain their lead in the west or make it to the playoffs. They have to start hitting with runners on base, get back to basic base running and get their confidence back.

Then we will see the team again that wins series, the team that wins three in a row frequently.

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