Early Season Surprise

That would have to be the Mariners, who instead of looking like a rebuilding team, have raced out to a 12-2 start.

It's not just the impressive record, but the power this club has flashed. Seattle has smacked hit 34 homers so far -- tied with the 2000 Cardinals for the most by any team in its first 14 games. Last night's hero, was Mitch Haniger, who went yard with two out in the top of the 9th to push the Mariners past the Royals in KC.

One more surprising stat: Seattle has scored six or more runs in 12 of its first 14 games, the first team to do that since 1908. Think about that year: Babe Ruth was then bar-mitzah age; Lou Gehrig was a few months shy of starting kindergarten.

Of course, a start this hot does not guarantee anything. Just ask the 2018 Mets, who roared out of the gate but collapsed later in the spring and finished shy of the .500 mark.

The Mariners also have to keep an eye on their rear-view mirror. The Astros, who started slowly, have kicked it into overdrive; they outscored the Yankees last night 8-6 for their sixth win in a row.

Still, fans love it when a team from which little is expected, surprises and provides that sweet ray of hope that's part of the bond between a team and its town.