Mariners sitting atop AL West as optimism grows

Dipoto believed the Mariners could be revamped without spending heavily in free agency through shrewd acquisitions of players who struggled in 2015 or had perhaps fallen out of favor with their former club.

Making the start even more impressive was a five-game losing streak the opening week of the season that did its part to create the perception that these were going to be the same old Mariners.

While Cano's been the offensive star, Seattle's rotation has — as expected — been one of the top starting units in the American League thanks to the emergence of young right-hander Taijuan Walker.

Felix Hernandez is still the ace of the staff — even with drops in his velocity — but Walker has shown signs of having a breakout season at age 23.

Manager Scott Servais said over the winter that a good bullpen would cover up many of the flaws for a first-year manager and while there haven't been many mistakes to point at, Seattle's relievers have helped their manager look good.

The Mariners bullpen is first or tied for first in the majors in seven categories, including ERA and opponent batting average.