By Brian Brunk

Jason Lane: Drafted out of the sixth round in 1999, Lane was formerly a starting pitcher at the University of Southern Cal. However, the Astros believed Lane’s future was at the plate rather than on the mound so he began his professional career as a 1st baseman. Lane immediately went on to win Penn League All-Star honors for short-season New York. His 2000 season was spent with the Michigan Battle Cats whom Lane helped lead to the Midwest League Championship. He had 40 multiple hit games and was amongst the league leaders in RBIs (104), HRs (23), and TBs (260).

In 2001 Lane has jumped from low A-ball to AA where he is now running roughshod over Texas League pitching with the Round Rock Express. Perhaps his most impressive game as a Pro to date came on April 9th against Midland when he hit 3 HRs in a single game. His power numbers, already impressive, have absolutely exploded in 2001. Through 51 games he has blasted 18 HRs and drove in 47 RBIs. On top of that you have numbers such as his .675 SLG% and a .429 OBP to go along with a .335 BA through 197 ABs.

Silly, absolutely silly… that’s the only way to describe this guy’s numbers so far in 2001, he’s been a friggin beast! A buddy of mine recently made the comment "hey, he plays in a hitter friendly league." I responded, "so what, you tryin to tell me Enron is a pitchers paradise? Pitchers go there to die pal." The fact is, as far as stadiums go, Dell Diamond (home to the Round Rocks) is actually considered one of the more pitcher friendly parks in the Texas League. Pat Murphy, Houston's Assistant Scouting Director, said the following when asked about Jason Lane "He can flat-out hit, he’s always been a .300 hitter." Jackie Moore, the Round Rocks manager, said of Lane "He has a lot of natural ability, he works hard and he doesn't miss mistakes. If a pitcher makes a mistake, he takes advantage of it, and obviously he hits for power."

There’s an old adage in baseball that goes - if you can hit we’ll find a position you can play. Although he began his pro career as a 1st baseman Lane has since been moved to the OF because some guy named Bagwell figures to get the majority of 1st base ABs in Houston for the foreseeable future. The Astros’ current OF situation is in very good shape with the likes of Berkman, Alou, Hidalgo, and Darryl Ward as a 4th. However, many observers doubt that Houston will be able to resign Moises Alou when he becomes a free agent this offseason leading some to believe the Astros will try to trade him. This scenario seems unlikely because Alou would probably demand that whichever suitor the Astros’ find for him must first negotiate a new 3-4 year contract. Given his age and past injury woes I doubt this will happen. Darryl Ward is the more attractive bargaining chip and with Jose Lima’s recent demotion to the bullpen in favor of rookie Roy Oswalt it’s safe to say the Astros’ wouldn’t hurt themselves by trading for some veteran pitching help. What does this mean for Lane? If Darryl Ward is indeed dealt and Alou departs via free agency as most expect, then get ready to see Jason Lane slugging away at Enron Field. In fact, you USC Alumni could be very well represented in Houston next year with Jason Lane manning LF and his college teammate, Morgan Ensberg, manning the hot corner.