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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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July 12, 2008 2:17 PM

Hulett makes debut

Posted by Geoff Baker

They just took the tarps off the field. It's been raining most of the day in Kansas City, but the sun is just starting to peek out. Not in time for batting practice. That's been cancelled. Remember, it's a 4:10 p.m. (Pacific) start time.

Tug Hulett makes his major league debut tonight at...DH. Yes, you read that right. A 5-foot-8 designated hitter. Believe me, he was a bit surprised at it as well. But sounds confident. Can't do any worse than the other guys this team has run through there. No, he isn't "protecting'' Raul Ibanez. That'll still be Jose Vidro, tonight's first baseman. Hulett will bat eighth. He was primarily a second baseman and shortstop in Class AAA Tacoma.

"I'm not really your prototype DH,'' Hulett said, not realizing that -- on this team at least -- he actually is. "I know that's what everybody's saying. A five-eight DH? Let's see that.''

Anyhow, Hulett proving that size doesn't always matter was nothing new during his climb to the big leagues.

"I've always had to do that,'' he agreed.