Mariners Wild Pick From A.L.

The idea behind adding a wild-card berth was, as you can guess, additional revenue. Another round of playoffs, another round of playoff money, and there would be reason for fans to flock to the ballpark in September even if their team was 16 games out of first place (as is wild-card contender Milwaukee).

There hasn’t been any major improvement in attendance for the wild-card contenders.

But if it isn’t necessarily a financial boon, the wildcard races are notable because most of the teams involved are, by and large, mediocre. Gauging strengths and weaknesses for these contenders is like trying to pick a winner from a stable of plow horses.

Some of the usual factors in handicapping the wild-card race can be thrown out. Strength of schedule, for one. The Texas Rangers have, statistically, one of the weaker schedules remaining, but because they’re a mediocre team, you cannot assume they will exploit this advantage. In picking a wild-card winner, it’s all about momentum and intangibles.

Here is a look at the American League contenders:

Seattle Mariners: The favorite. As part of their last-gasp run at saving baseball for their city - King County residents will vote on a referendum to support a new stadium next month - the Mariners acquired Andy Benes and Vince Coleman, and rushed Ken Griffey back into the lineup. More than any other club, they have a tangible reason to succeed.

Texas Rangers: They’ve rebounded from their July swoon and they’ve got Juan Gonzalez and Bobby Witt back. They’d have to be considered a favorite.

New York Yankees: Went into Boston and got bombed. If they keep losing, the pressure from owner George Steinbrenner will grow and the team will wilt. And ace David Cone is just hoping his arm stays healthy for the rest of the year.

Milwaukee Brewers: Everybody else went out and added players, and the Brewers did nothing, plugging along with a rotation that includes four rookies. You’ve got to believe that when push comes to shove, these guys will fold.

Kansas City Royals: You can tell ownership is taking the wild-card race seriously. Just a handful of games behind Texas and the Royals are dumping veterans Coleman and Chris James. Late owner Ewing Kauffman would’ve at least tried to compete.

Oakland A’s: Too many injuries. Mark McGwire is down, Rickey Henderson hurt. Fading fast.

Baltimore Orioles: Yeah, they’ll win it. And then Howard Stern will be elected president.