Seattle Mariners Series Preview: Why are Astros cellar-dwelling?

The Seattle Mariners begin a new road trip in Houston against the Astros at 5:10 p.m. Friday, but there's a different dynamic to this three-game series than others the two rivals have played in recent years. For one, the Mariners are in first place in the American League West with a 17-14 record, having won five straight series. Houston has won six of the last seven AL West titles, but under first-year manager Joe Espada, the Astros enter Friday with an 11-20 record – tied for worst in the division with the Los Angeles Angels.