The Athletics Biggest Playoff Competition is….

1. Seattle Mariners

Aug 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Felix Hernandez. Need I say more? I will anyway. After Monday night’s outing, King Felix has a string of 16 consecutive outings of going seven innings and allowing two or fewer runs. This is an ongoing record in baseball history. And we thought he was good before!

Pair Felix with Hisashi Iwakuma (10-6, 2.86), and that’s a terrific one-two punch. Even Chris Young (not the terrible outfielder that was just cut by the Mets) has been solid this season, to the tune of a 10-6 record and a 3.32 ERA.

The Seattle bullpen has also been stellar, with a collective 2.34 ERA.

The downside for the Mariners comes on offense. Outside of Robinson Cano, there isn’t a player in their lineup that necessarily scares the opposition.

The reason that the Mariners are ranked #1 here is because they are a division rival, and their record against the A’s this season is 7-6. While  their record may not be intimidating, division games are always tough, no matter who the competition is. This Mariner team can make some noise in the playoffs with the number of quality arms they possess.

While the Tigers have had the A’s number in the playoffs recently, they still have a shaky bullpen and an offense that comes and goes.

The Mariners have the ability to completely shut down the opposition, and scratch across enough runs to win a tight game. Seattle is a perky team, and pesky is not a dirty word come playoff time.