Switching to the AL West: The Seattle Mariners have made it a point to prove they can win without the big name superstars who have left their team over the past three years. After the Mariners lost Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Alex Rodriguez, everyone thought they would surely make a move for the cellar. Well, they made a move, but it was to in the direction of becoming the best baseball team in the majors.

With the addition of Japanese superstar Ichiro Suzuki, the Mariners have put together a league-leading 28-9 record. Ichiro came over to America after leading the Japanese league in hitting for 7 straight years and getting the nickname "Elvis" from his teammates because of all the media attention he received over there. Since coming to the Mariners, Ichiro is fourth in the league in batting average (.360) and first in hits, with 62. His power numbers are far lower than expected but he has compiled a hitting streak of 19 straight games and has hit safely in 35 of the Mariners' 37 games.

So far, Ichiro is still getting used to the pitching styles of American baseball but, as the season goes on, his talents will continue to grow. The Mariners hold an 11-game lead over the second place Angels and a 1-game lead over the Twins for the best record in baseball.

In the AL East, the reigning champs, the New York Yankees, won the race for #1. They finally passed the Red Sox and now have a .5 game lead over the division rivals. Even without slugger Bernie Williams, who has returned home to San Juan to be with his family after his father passed on Sunday, the Yankees have made it a point to play solid baseball. With only the Orioles and the Devil Rays left in the division, the only other team that the Yankees will have to worry about will be the Toronto Blue Jays, who are currently in 3rd place.

Over in the National League, the St. Louis fans are asking the question, "Mark who?" The Cardinals have won 7 straight games and have taken over 1st place in the NL Central. With J.D. Drew, Jim Edmonds and Albert Pujols going a combined 17-34 over the weekend, the Cards were able to sweep the Cubs over the weekend and, before that, swept the Pirates, as well.

"It's just been fun watching these guys play," said Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. LaRussa, who has coached the Cardinals during Big Mac's home run exhibitions, is now hoping to finally get over the hump and make it to the World Series as a St. Louis Cardinal. With both Darryl Kile and Matt Morris at 5 wins apiece, the Cardinals are looking more and more like a championship team, but only time will reveal what will happen come October.

Please continue to check back as weekly updates will continue, as well as spotlights on the players from around the league.