This is one of the more popular media events of spring training. The day Ichiro steps in front of a microphone for the first time. At least it's not boring, like some of those Presidential State of the Union things. Last year's was downright sensational, with Ichiro questioning the team's will to move forward (translate: win) and hinting he may head elsewhere as a free agent.

Not this time around. The clothes are a lot more subdued than he was wearing a year ago, when he donned a pink shirt and knit cap. Yes, those Levi's he's now wearing are designer fashion -- designed by him no less, as part of some deal he has with the jeanmaker. You can't really see his shoes, but I can tell you they looked like he wandered through a kindergarten fingerpainting class and got a bunch of stuff accidentally spilled on them. I'm sure they cost thousands.

Anyway, his clothes weren't the only thing toned down. The rhetoric from a year ago (or was it an accurate depiction?) about the team's direction has done an about-face. Seattle's recent trade for starting pitcher Erik Bedard helped cement that opinion.

"We made a big trade, something that is the biggest of my career with the Seattle Mariners," Ichiro said through interpreter Ken Baron. "What I mean by that is, it was a trade in which we didn't try to avoid risk. To gain power, sometimes you have to take a big risk. And I think the Mariners showed that by making that move."

Here are some video clips of today's full-squad workout, beginning with Ichiro taking batting practice. It's almost as much fun watching him when he is gearing up to go in the cage as it is once he's taking his cuts. Later on, you'll see the relievers coming off the field for water, including Brandon Morrow, who can be seen up-close throwing a bullpen session (photo below).

The fielders worked on their bunt defenses. You'll hear the coaches and players yelling out "one" and "three" depending on who has to charge in for the ball and have their base covered by someone else. It's fun to watch the rotation of the fielders, depending on what play is on. An aspect of the verbal communication and strategy in the game that isn't captured on TV during the season itself. You'll see a shot of coach Eddie Rodriguez at one point, talking into a microrecorder he later stuffs in his back pocket. Rodriguez is in charge of spring training, so he monitors each drill and gives himself verbal notes on the recorder on how to improve each one. He'll also leave himself reminders, like if he wants a certain coach in better position the next time.

Hope you enjoy.

NOTE (10:20 p.m.): To Marinersbrian in the comments thread, yes, that was Peter Gammons in the pink shirt. Good eye.

Full squad workouts began this morning, with some bunt coverage drills and then batting practice. Above, you see Ichiro warming up for his first cuts of the spring. Followed below by him actually spraying some line drives all over the place.

Met briefly with manager John McLaren this morning after he addressed his full squad of players for the first time. McLaren said one of his first orders of business moving forward will be to settle the Nos. 3-5 slots in the starting rotation so that the pitchers know their role going forward.