Seattle ? The Seattle Mariners believe they’re a marked team.

That’s only natural after their record-setting 116-win season, manager Lou Piniella said.

“They want to beat you, they really do,” Piniella said. “Last year we weren’t really picked in our division and this year we’re the consensus pick. We won a lot of ballgames and we beat a lot of teams last year. They’d like to reverse the tables somewhat.”

The Mariners open their 2002 season today against the Chicago White Sox, who have added leadoff hitter Kenny Lofton and now have a healthy Frank Thomas.

The Mariners will send their ace, Freddy Garcia (18-6 last season), against Mark Buehrle (16-8).

After setting an AL record and tying the 1906 Chicago Cubs for the major league mark with their 116 wins last season, the Mariners know that expectations are higher than ever.