Mariners’ LaHair has another idea for left field: himself

First baseman Bryan LaHair knows he didn’t show the power that the Seattle Mariners had hoped in his first major league experience last year. And he saw the Mariners sign another left-hander with power, Russell Branyan, to play first base in 2009.

But LaHair, who hit three home runs in 136 at-bats this year after the M’s called him up, also knows the door of opportunity hasnt completely shut.

There’s no guarantee that Branyan, never a full-time player in his career, will hit with the consistency that the Mariners need. There’s still an opening at DH for 2009 and the Mariners would like to add more offensive pop in left field beyond Endy Chavez.

If there’s still a need in left field when spring training begins, LaHair knows just who can fill it: himself.

LaHair played several games in left field during his first pro season with the Everett AquaSox in 2003 and a few dozen more the next year at Class A Wisconsin while the Timber Rattlers’ regular left fielder, Wladimir Balentien, was playing with the Dutch team at the Athens Olympics.

“I’d been an outfielder my whole life. Left field is like my second home,” LaHair said last week before a workout at the Mariners’ training complex in Peoria, Ariz. “First base is my home now, but if you gave me two weeks in left field, I would be ready to play there.”