Most unspectacular star

 

First, this isn't really about a prototypical "star", at least not yet. This is about a kid drafted in the 39th round to play a game which the odds are stacked against even the best prospects. Not only are the odds stacked against this kid, but front offices seem to have little appreciation for him as well.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in November of '82, Bryan LaHair played baseball and basketball for Holy Name Central Catholic and then went on to play baseball at St. Petersburg Junior College. Soon after he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 39th round.

Bryan spent 5 years in the Seattle minor league system, which saw him make an All-Star team in 2005, he finally earned a mid season call up after the Mariners released Richie Sexson in 2008. This was finally LaHair's opportunity to show he can hit at the MLB level, and do so like he has at all other stops along the way. After 136 at bats Bryan failed to impress, hitting .250 with 7 extra base hits including 3 HRs. He was back in Triple A Tacoma that next season.


Following the 2009 season LaHair faced another setback, the Mariners did not resign LaHair and for the first time in his professional baseball career there was uncertainty if, where, and when he will play again. That is where the Cubs came into the picture. Knowing Bryan had all world power, a tendency to get onbase, and had hit for average along the way, the Chicago Cubs offered LaHair a contract and an invite to Spring Training.

During that Spring tryout, LaHair won over a lot of Cubs fans with a couple of majestic bombs. However the Cubs brass thought other players in the system were just ahead of him keeping LaHair at Iowa for the next 2 seasons. With players like Derrek Lee and Carlos Pena locking down the everyday first base jobs, and players like Tyler Colvin seemingly waiting in the wings, LaHair's chances at the big league roster in Chicago seemed fairly dim as well. Knowing this, LaHair went on to produce some extremely prolific seasons out in Iowa, hitting 25 and 38 homers in his 2 years there, and added another 15 homers last season in the Winter League.

Even through the recent success wild rumors of the Cubs being involved in Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder sweepstakes, and the trade to bring Anthony Rizzo to Chicago made even this confident hitter question if his dream of playing everyday in the Majors would ever actually happen. But current Cubs manager, Dale Sveum, anointed LaHair the guy to man first base, thus making his dream finally come true.

Through LaHair's first month as the Cubs first baseman he certainly hasn't disappointed. Leading the ball club with 5 HRs, and coming through in the clutch on multiple occasions. LaHair has also proven a lot of critics wrong as he finishes his first month as a regular with a .390 average and committing 1 error. His .471 OBP and his 1.251 OPS show that he has been patient and has found pitches he has been able to drive hard.

Even if LaHair's days are technically numbered as the Chicago Cubs first baseman, he is quickly proving to the Cubs, their fans, and the baseball world that he belongs in the majors, and will find a way into a lineup on an everyday basis. Anthony Rizzo just might be the future at first, but LaHair has finally succeeded.

Chicago Sports, last 24 hours

In the whirlwind that is Chicago, there has been much news over the last day or so. First off, I am extremely excited to welcome in the new NHL season. Finally I get to see the newest editions to this Hawks roster, and see if that grit we added will pay off in the end. Personally I think it might take. Month or two for the new Hawks to gel with the older Hawks, and although some say they tried too hard to get tougher, I think the muscle added will help free their skilled players get free and score a lot more often.

The Chicago Bulls....

Next, the hugely surprising White Sox hire of Robin Ventura. I am a Cubs fans (please no condolences) but I have always admired Robin from afar. His approach to the game, his ability to come out of college as a prospect with huge expectations, and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the best Chicago athletes to watch, in my opinion. I see Robin as a teacher as a manager, one who can show the players the right way to play, can develop the younger guys, and should be a huge asset to Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. I especially think he can help Beckham as these two were similar in their expectations coming out of college. Only down side I see to Ventura is, managers get fired, and Robin is a very likable guy, once this team is ready to compete, they will most likely fire the teaching manager and hire a manager that can win. No one wins by firing fan favorites, and that has always been my fear in hiring Ryne Sandberg on the North-side.

And now the Bulls....

Speaking of the Cubbies... There really hasn't been much talk on their new GM... WHAT!? Yeah there has! In case you missed it, the Cubs sought permission to speak to the Red Sox general Manager Theo Epstein. There was an initial report that Theo was going to be involved in the teams search for a new manager (Red Sox manager), the top brass of Boston then came out basically saying he is there for the Cubs to take. I would imagine this would require the Cubs to send over a top prospect or two, and with the Cubs current minor league system, this could be a huge loss for a team with no great veterans, no MLB ready star prospects, and looks to be financially handcuffed by ownership. So I am sure the Cubs will make the wrong choice, since we have 100+ years experience doing the wrong thing anyways. Hell even if it's right, it will be wrong.

The NBA's Chicago Bulls....

The Bears are going to play Monday night vs. the Lions, and even though some are suggesting this is a find something out about the Lions game, I think it's more a learn what we have in this Beats team game. Sure the Lions haven't played on Monday night in like 10 years, but they get a highlighted game every year on Thanksgiving. What will really happen is we will find out about this Bears team. Will they commit to running against a team thy will score points? Will the secondary hold down Megatron and the Lions passing game? Will the Bears pass rush create pressure and force Matt Stafford into bad decisions? Will Johnson hold the ball after he catches a touchdown?

Finally the Bulls......

It should be a fun weekend and week ahead in Chicago sports, let's hope for the best cause we usually get the worst!