Patience

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette News has this story on Bryan LaHair ('04).

It has been said patience is a virtue. And when the player you’re competing against for a job is a two-time All-Star and is making $15.5 million this season, patience is a must.

Such is life for Seattle Mariners first baseman and Holy Name High product Bryan LaHair.

LaHair was selected by Seattle in the 39th round of the 2002 draft and has risen to become a top prospect in the Mariners farm system. And he has continued his impressive play this spring for the Mariners, batting .400 in 11 Cactus League games, making him one of Seattle’s most successful hitters.

“I really enjoy playing here,” LaHair said. “I’m getting a lot done, and I get better everyday. They really work hard with me in all aspects of the game.

That hard work has put LaHair in a place to be noticed, but here is what the manager thinks.

[John] McLaren said LaHair would benefit more from playing everyday for Triple-A Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League rather than playing in a reserve role this season in Seattle.

“I think he is another 500 at-bats away,” McLaren said. “To be bluntly honest, I like him a lot, and we would love him on this club, but I just don’t see the fit right now. That’s nothing negative about him, it’s really a positive that he needs to go out and play. That way when he comes up he will never go back down.”

Much more at the story.