What's special about Oakland and Seattle?

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Why are the start dates for spring training a week early for Oakland and Seattle?

FEBRUARY 12, 2012
Voluntary report date for pitchers, catchers and injured players (Oakland and Seattle)
FEBRUARY 17, 2012
Oakland and Seattle full squads may report
FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Voluntary report date for pitchers, catchers and injured players (all other clubs)
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Full squads may report (all other clubs)
Mandatory report date for all players on Oakland and Seattle

FEBRUARY 29, 2012
First exhibition game, Florida State University vs. Philadelphia Phillies, Clearwater, Fla.

[Ryan Scott]

Are they playing the exhibition week in Japan this year? I know in the past they've given some clubs some extra time if they're going to be traveling overseas early in the year.

[Shea Zellweger]

yup- March 28 and 29 they kick off the season in Japan. Seattle sent Griffey over as an ambassador earlier this year to try and drum up some local feelings of goodwill.