Jason Lane

After busting out to the tune of 26 home runs, 34 doubles and 78 RBI in 517 at-bats in 2005, Lane had a miserable 2006, hitting a paltry .201 and earning a stint in the minors. The power he showed in 2005 didn't totally disappear, as he still hit 15 homers in 288 at-bats, but he simply couldn't get in any sort of rhythm at the plate. With Carlos Lee now patrolling left field for the Astros, Lane will have to earn time playing behind Luke Scott in right.

Lane finally got his regular job, and while the bulk numbers were good, Lane's overall value was fairly low thanks to a .316 OBP. A horrific May (.118/.189/.176) killed his stats, though he was good to great in every other month. Talk up his low OBP and try and get him cheaper, as he could be this year's Ensberg.

Lane was temporarily the everyday right fielder for the Astros in 2004 when they traded away a disgruntled Richard Hidalgo. Lane's role was reduced heavily just a few weeks later with the acquisition of Carlos Beltran. Lane could see a starting spot in left field open up if Craig Biggio is moved to second with the departure of Jeff Kent.

A sports hernia idled Lane's development at Triple-A New Orleans in 2003, though one could argue that he really needed no more development. His career path represents a problem common to the Astros' organization in general - they have precious few hitting prospects, and those that they have are too old for their level. Barring an offseason trade, there's still no space on the Astros for Lane to have an everyday job. Maybe in 2005.

Lane might not have enough power to become an everyday player as an outfielder. If he remains with the Astros, he faces a logjam in competing for playing time with Richard Hidalgo, Orlando Merced, and Brian Hunter at the two spots where Lance Berkman is not playing.