[Dan in Pasadena]

He's been repetitively hurt and when he has come up...I think three times for short periods so far plus appearences in '06 and '07 Spring Training, he has failed to produce. In truth, he's failed to sort of "emerge" yet into the player with the numbers he has clearly shown in the minors. Our GM has patience with him, but the fans (unfairly) are growing restless with him.

Maybe its stage fright, maybe he won't be an everyday big leaguer, or maybe (my worry) he's one of those young guys that just doesn't make it for awhile. Usually that ends up happening with another team.

I hope that's not true with LaRoche, but it may be. Granted he's still young (he's Cabrera's age!)

Obviously, the socalled "Jacksonville 5" have emerged as everyday players. In the case of Martin he is a star already (All Star, Gold Glove, now Silver Slugger too) and James Loney, perhaps Matt Kemp appear to be headed there also. Andre Ethier who came out of the A's organization is also obviously a .290-perhaps .310 hitter. So LaRoche tends to suffer in an unfair comparison.