It’s a feat so rare in recent Mariner history that you may have to read it twice; three weeks into the 2009 MLB season, the Seattle Mariners hold first place with a solid 12-7 record. Thanks to steady batting and excellent pitching (we lead the American League with a 3.50 ERA), the Mariners are shaping up to be an excellent ball club. The most publicized player this season, Griffey, has yet to put big numbers up, but his presence is being felt around the clubhouse, and through increased attendance.

The big question is if the Seattle Mariners can keep it up. The current ESPN power rankings have the Mariners slotted in sixth. This is a big departure from preseason expectations, where one poll of ESPN employees had 18 people for the Angels winning the west, 3 for the A’s, and zero for the Mariners. Meanwhile, both the A’s and Angels are struggling and under 500.

The Mariners play the first game of a three game series in Chicago tonight at 5:11pm on FSN.