Mariners First to Camp

Published at 4:24 am, February 13, 2012

Christian Petersen/Getty Images(PEORIA, AZ) — It’s that time of year; at least for the Seattle Mariners.

Mariners pitchers and catchers reported to training camp in Arizona Sunday, a week earlier than any other team in baseball.

The M’s will start their season early when they head to Japan to take on the Oakland Athletics on March 28.

Maybe it’s the anticipation of heading to Japan, but Seattle reliever Shawn Kelley doesn’t seem to mind starting camp early.

“It’s good to be here,” Kelley said. “Warm weather, seeing all the guys and just getting back in the swing of things.”

The early training may be beneficial to Seattle. The Mariners finished last season last in the AL West.