SEATTLE -- The record-setting Seattle Mariners were on the verge of adding another accomplishment to their long list Wednesday: the American League West title.

	“	The magic number's always been one for us. ”
		— Mark McLemore

But for many players, the goal this team has been chasing for five months seemed so minor now, eight days after terrorist attacks on the East Coast.

Despite a season highlighted by new stars Ichiro Suzuki and Bret Boone, an amazing pitching staff and the selection of a franchise-best eight players to this summer's All-Star game at Safeco Field, the Mariners were planning a toned-down clubhouse celebration for when they clinched.

Seattle players said it hardly seemed right to plan a wild party in the wake of a national tragedy. The Mariners' magic number to clinch their third AL West title was one heading into Wednesday night's game against Anaheim at Safeco.

A win would do it, or a loss by second-place Oakland to Texas.

"The magic number's always been one for us," utility man Mark McLemore insisted after a 4-0 win over the Angels on Tuesday, reiterating his stance on not looking ahead.

Yet Mariners fans have been talking playoffs from the beginning -- and even World Series.

Back in April, Suzuki gave them a glimpse of the greatness that would be. His bunt single in the eighth inning of his major league debut sparked the game-winning rally as Seattle defeated Oakland 5-4 on opening night.

It was the start of something special in Seattle.

It was not long after when everyone began counting on the Mariners to win the AL West. They have been in first place every day since.

Seattle (105-40) won 20 games in April, May and August, and remains on pace to match the Chicago Cubs' major league record of 116 wins set in 1906. The Mariners were a franchise record 65 games over .500. The ballpark has been sold out 50 times this season.

Most players said they were thankful to be playing again Tuesday no matter the playoff picture. Major League Baseball canceled games last week and through the weekend.

Perhaps somehow, players said, they could be a part of the healing process for this country.

While touched by pre-game tributes Tuesday, veteran outfielder Jay Buhner was anxious for the Mariners to get back to the task of winning games and setting records.

"We're doing something pretty special," he said.

"It's baseball again because Ichiro hit the first pitch off the pitcher like he's done so many times," Boone said of Suzuki's first-inning single Tuesday.

New faces like Suzuki, a seven-time batting champion from Japan, and Boone have helped this city forget about losing stars Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson.

Suzuki leads the AL with his .350 batting average, and his 220 hits are best in the majors. Boone, with 35 home runs, became the all-time home runs leader for second basemen.

The Mariners pitching staff has the lowest ERA in baseball, and three starters have more than 15 wins -- Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer and Paul Abbott. Aaron Sele has 13 wins and John Halama 10.

That first game in April was somewhat symbolic. The Mariners finished second to the A's in the AL West in 2000, and Oakland is the team they had to beat out this year.

"One more," manager Lou Piniella said.