I was going to point out that Seattle's schedule from Aug 7th - 26th (Balt 3, ChiSox 3, Minn 3, ChiSox 3, Minn 3, Texas 4) was about as easy as it gets. If they are facing a tough schedule now its because they were given an easier one earlier. Somehow I'm thinking you dont want to hear that.
It could be argued that the only reason they were able to get into Wild Card contention was the benefit of that easy August. I think the Angels coming into Seattle and sweeping that 3 gamer, all by blowouts was the beginning of the end for the M's. Hard to recover when you make it to within a game or 2 of the lead and get a beatdown like that.
Over the course of 162 games all the missed calls, ups and downs of the schedules, fatigue evens out and the best teams make it into the playoffs. Not trying to pile on, just an observation from someone on the outside.
The M's have a nice team, maybe a year or two away from being World Series threats
All teams have their easy stretch run of games, very few have a stretch like the Mariners are going now.