Humbled Lane excelling for 51s

Five years removed from starting in right field for the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series, Jason Lane was unemployed and uncertain of his future in professional baseball this season after the New Orleans Zephyrs released him.

"When you're home for three weeks and don't get any calls, you start worrying," Lane said Wednesday before going 2-for-4 with two RBIs from the cleanup spot for the 51s in their 6-4 loss to the Nashville Sounds at Cashman Field.

The 33-year-old veteran finally got an offer, albeit from the South Maryland Blue Crabs, and signed with them June 27.

Lane, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays less than a month later, said playing in an independent league humbled him.

"It gives you a whole different perspective on the game when you're at that level," he said. "You go from playing in the World Series a couple years ago to independent ball and looking for a job. Not that I ever took the game for granted, but it definitely humbles you."

Lane, who hit .253 for Las Vegas last season with 13 homers and 47 RBIs in 113 games but was not re-signed, has gotten off to a fast start with the 51s this year, batting .371 (26-for-70) with three homers and 16 RBIs in 19 games.

"It's just been all mental really," he said. "I had a tough year personally here last year off the field. Sometimes it's hard to separate that.

"But I've gotten things straightened out. I'm getting my confidence back. I'm seeing the ball good and getting results."

Lane declined to elaborate on his personal problems. "It's nothing I want to share, just life can be tough at times," he said. "I learned how to deal with certain things and learned some good lessons.

"I just made some adjustments ... and I'm able to focus on the game."

Lane started his 12th pro season with New Orleans and struggled, hitting .229 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 47 games. He ended up being the odd man out in a crowded outfield.

"It became a numbers thing … and I was the guy who had to go," he said of his release. "But things happen for a reason. That gave me a great experience down there in independent ball and gave me an opportunity to come back here."

A sixth-round draft pick of the Astros in 1999 out of the University of Southern California, Lane compiled his best season in 2005, batting .267 with 26 homers and 78 RBIs in a career-high 145 games for Houston.

He last played in the majors in 2007, for the San Diego Padres.

Lane said he got his timing back this season in independent ball. If he can find the right timing with the Blue Jays, he could make it back to the majors.

"He has a little more desire and drive to prove he can still play," Las Vegas manager Dan Rohn said. "Once you get shipped out, sometimes you can be forgotten. So when you get your second chance, you have to make the most of it. That's what he's doing right now."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.