"Other than being pretty cool, it just shows how small the world is, and especially how small Baseball is," Hines said. "Dad probably has some Mariners gear in the garage somewhere, but it won't fit either one of us."

The fifth member of new manager Don Wakamatsu's coaching staff, Hines will coach third and work with Mariners infielders. He could just as well have taken any job on the team.

"He's done everything you can do in Baseball," Wakamatsu said.

At 51, Hines had spent the past three seasons in the Angels' minor league system, where he was in charge of coaching the outfield, baserunning and bunting. In a long career that began when he was drafted as a player in 1979, he has played, coached and managed in the minor leagues since then.

When Wakamatsu was hired, Hines watched the news conference, the first time he'd ever watched one announcing a managerial hire. He'd known Wakamatsu since 1982, he said, and he hoped he might get a call.

Hines spent one year, 1991, as the Angels' first base coach - and has worked since to get back.

"It's been 16 years since I coached in the majors, and I loved what I was doing," he said. "But if you're passionate about what you do, you want to be at the pinnacle. I want a shot at that. When I got a text message saying my name was in consideration, it was a joy."

Wakamatsu's staff has a decided American League West feel to it - coaches Rick Adair, Ty Van Berkleo, John Wetteland, Lee Tinsley and now Hines have all worked for AL West teams.

"My whole career was spent in the Western Division. I know these guys, there's a comfort level. We'll be familiar with our enemies," Wakamatsu said.

Asked if there might be something he was trying to take from the Angels organization, Wakamatsu didn't hedge.

"There are some traits that have made them the strongest team in the division. Their aggressive style of play, their base-running, their development," he said. "We want to be known for all those things. We're bringing people in who can tighten things up, help us play fundamental Baseball. These guys can teach it, they've done it before.

"This organization, not by design, has been transient. Our first goal is to establish a trust factor," Wakamatsu said. "We're going to, No. 1, let the players know we're there for them. No. 2 is to be thorough in what our style of play will be, and there's an education process there.

"It will start on the first day of spring training."

The only vacancy remaining on the staff is hitting coach, and that could be filled today.

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