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The things in your first three paragraphs. Absolutely -- the last two games, the M's have finally gotten some middle-of-the-pack SP's to face, ... lo and behold, they're getting several rallies a game.
Gotta give some credit to the pitchers.
...........
11 games in, there are sizzlers and fizzlers. Ichiro is a notable sizzler, but it's a lot easier to see that if we compare him to his own 2011, as opposed to suddenly deciding that "American League 3 Hole Hitter" is the new baseline.