Lubanski’s goal: show he’s big league timber

Chris Lubanski appeared to be on the fast track to the big leagues after being drafted fifth overall by Kansas City in 2003 and earning Single-A Player of the Year honors in 2004 and 2005.

It seemed only a matter of when -- not if -- Lubanski would reach the majors.

Despite seven mostly solid seasons in the Royals' system, the left-handed-hitting outfielder hasn't gotten out of the minors. He's hoping that chance comes with the Toronto Blue Jays, via the 51s.

"I thought I had some years there where I could have had an opportunity, but it never happened," said Lubanski, 25, who entered this season with a .278 career average.

"You can't wonder about it or you'll drive yourself nuts. I just hope there are more opportunities down the road."

Lubanski hopes a change of scenery -- and a clean bill of health -- will put him back on a path to the majors. After missing most of last season with a torn left hamstring that required surgery, he signed with Toronto as a free agent.

In seven games with Las Vegas, the 6-foot-3-inch left fielder is hitting .304 with two doubles, two homers and five RBIs.

"I'm trying to show everyone I'm healthy and that I can play at this level and the big league level," said Lubanski, who went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Thursday in Las Vegas' 7-3 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Cashman Field.

51s manager Dan Rohn said a fresh start might be all Lubanski needs to fulfill his potential.

"Sometimes being a high draft pick -- being the 'Chosen One,' so to speak -- it's hard for them to live up to the expectations an organization puts on them," Rohn said. "Sometimes the best thing for them is a change of scenery. You get a fresh look, a fresh start and new eyes on you. Guys might see something different."

So far, though, Rohn said he hasn't seen much that needs to be changed.

"His swing is pretty solid," he said. "The biggest thing for me is putting consistent at-bats together."

Lubanski was named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year in high school, where he once hit for the cycle in both games of a doubleheader. He was ranked the second-fastest baserunner among the top 100 draft prospects in his class.

"He's still an above-average runner," Rohn said. "He can go from first to third with the best of them, and that's a big plus for him."

Lubanski was Player of the Year at Single-A Burlington in 2004 and repeated the feat in 2005 at Single-A High Desert, where he hit .301 with 28 homers, 38 doubles and 116 RBIs in 126 games.

He spent 2006 at Double-A Wichita and led the Texas League with 11 triples and rose to Triple A in 2007, when he hit a career-low .208 in 49 games for Omaha.

Lubanski, who homered off the right-field foul pole in the seventh inning Thursday, hit .242 with 15 homers and 54 RBIs in 116 games for Omaha in 2008.

After his hamstring injury limited him to 36 games for Omaha last season, when he hit .227, Lubanski wants to prove he can stay healthy for a full season.

He also remains on a personal mission to reach the big leagues.

"I just need an opportunity at the right place at the right time," he said. "A lot of things have to click at once, and I haven't had those things click just yet."

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