Mariners hope new plane helps travel woes

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The subject was third baseman Kyle Seager, who at age 25 last year led the Mariners with 160 games played. That's a significant number for any player, but perhaps more impressive because Seager plays for the team that annually leads the Majors in airline miles.

"With our travel schedule and the length of our travel, it can be kind of tough and exhausting on the young players sometimes, or the veteran players for that matter," Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said.

But, according to McClendon, there's a little bit of relief in sight this coming season because the Mariners will be using their own private jet, which can be customized to help make all those air miles go a little bit smoother for the players who'll need to stay sharp when the plane lands at its next destination.

"I think the one thing that's going to really help us quite a bit is our travel arrangements this year," he said. "We have a private plane that will help quite a bit. It's more suited for comfort for the players and a little less wear and tear on their bodies. I think that's going to help quite a bit."