By Derek_Deis. Published Friday, February 12th, 2010

SEATTLE (AP) -- Five-time All-Star Mike Sweeney has agreed to a minor league contract that keeps him with the Mariners.

Seattle announced Friday that the popular 36-year-old has been invited to big spring training. The designated hitter made the Mariners' roster last year under the same arrangement, then teamed with Ken Griffey Jr. to improve the clubhouse dynamic.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik (zur-REN'-sik) says Sweeney was "an integral part of the 2009 season" and that the team is happy to have him back.

Sweeney hit .281 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 74 games. The former Kansas City star missed 11 games in July because of back spasms, then hit .381 over his last 25 games.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)