Sense of familiarity marks McClendon's second year

Seattle made some significant additions over the winter -- headlined by 2014 Major League home run leader Nelson Cruz -- but the bulk of the squad consists of returning players from a team that went 87-75 last year and missed an American League Wild Card spot by one game.

Spring Training: Tickets | Ballpark | 40-man roster | Non-roster invitees

McClendon will greet 27 pitchers and seven catchers Friday, with the rest of the position players due by next Tuesday. The first day will consist of players taking physical exams before on-field activity begins Saturday.

"I'm very excited," McClendon said. "Going into Spring Training last year, I didn't know my personnel. I didn't even know faces. There were a lot of things we couldn't accomplish last spring that we'll be ahead of the game on this year, as far as putting in some things we'd like to from an offensive and defensive standpoint.

"I certainly think we're well adapted to do those things. We know the club, we know the talent that we have and we know their capabilities. So it should be a fun spring for us."

Outlook: Slugger Cruz moves to spacious Safeco Field

The defending home run champion Nelson Cruz could see his home run total decrease with the Mariners, but is still expected to hit 30 dingers

There's a different buzz going into this year's camp, with Seattle regarded as a prime contender in the AL West after improving by 16 wins in 2014, then adding some intriguing veterans in Cruz, left-hander J.A. Happ, outfielders Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano and newly defined utility man Rickie Weeks.

"All in all, it was a very good winter," said general manager Jack Zduriencik. "We're excited to get into Spring Training."

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Sense of familiarity marks McClendon's second year