Tug is now a Royal

Yes, you heard it here. Tug signed with the Royals today. But have no fear everythingroyals bloggers, it's not this Tug.

Rather, the boys in blue signed former Mariners infielder Tug Hulett today and designated left handed reliever Neal Musser for assignment - meaning the club has 10 days to trade or release him.

Hulett, a 25 year old native of Springfield, IL, hit .283 last season at triple-A Tacoma with the Mariners and made hit big league debut on June 12 last season at, where else - Kauffman Stadium, and hit .224 with one homer and two RBI in limited action. He is a left handed hitter who can play second, short and third in the infield. The move gives the Royals more depth as they struggle to find cap room to sign veteran second baseman Orlando Hudson.

He was a 14th round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2004 out of Auburn University. Hulett was traded to the Mariners in 2007 for Ben Broussard and made his big league debut after the M's released Richie Sexson.

Hulett's father, Tim, you may recall, was a 12 year big league veteran for the Cardinals, White Sox and Orioles. Hulett will likely begin the season at triple-A Omaha.