PEORIA, Ariz. -- There was a sense of familiarity on Thursday, when Mariners pitchers and catchers went through their first Spring Training workout at the Peoria Sports Complex.
On a day that started with a welcome-back speech from manager Don Wakamatsu and ended with a "300-yard shuttle," the Mariners sent 29 pitchers and seven catchers through workouts on three of the six practice fields.
"I think the first day was more exciting this year because of the relationships we developed last year," reliever Mark Lowe said. "It was good to see everybody and get back on the field."
It marked the first time in three seasons that the Mariners started a Spring Training with the same manager that was the skipper the previous season.
"Things are a lot more comfortable knowing what kind of personality your manager has," Lowe added. "With Wak, last year was a learning experience during Spring Training."
The post-practice one-on-one sessions between Wakamatsu, coaches and players resumed and will continue through the early stages of camp.
"I am probably looking forward to the meetings in the afternoon more than anything," Wakamatsu said before the workout. "Some of these guys obviously are returning, but there are some new guys that we have to get a handle on. It's important to get them to trust us."
Twelve of the pitchers that worked out on Thursday made at least one appearance with the Mariners last season, including ace right-hander Felix Hernandez, who looks to be in even better shape this year than a year ago.
Wakamatsu said the first day went well.
"Everything ran smooth," he said. "I thought it went great."
The Mariners hold their first full team workout on February 23rd. The first Spring Training game is just 12 days away.
