The Book on Matt LaPorta

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Matt LaPorta as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 12/1/2008.

CLEMatt LaPorta
Born 1/8/1985
OF, CLE

He might have been better off being drafted by an AL team in the first place. Now that he's an Indian instead of a Brewer though, he'll soon have a chance to settle in as a DH for the next 20 years. LaPorta should produce big numbers in MLB in the near future, and Cleveland's interest solved the blocking problem he had back in Milwaukee. (The fact the Indians pursued him so hard might also say something about how little confidence they have in Travis Hafner's ability to return to effectiveness.)

One of college ball's best sluggers the last couple of years, LaPorta wasn't the shiniest prospect in the bin, but his ridiculous .579 OBP in college is impossible to ignore. A power hitter who also has an exceptional batting eye, he ended his last college year in the country's top 20 in almost every category, from batting average to homers, slugging percentage to runs scored. The Indians have moved him to the outfield, which could lead to a few fielding adventures, but as long as he plays passable defense, he could break camp with the roster-depleted Indians as 2009 opens. Even if he doesn't, though, he's worth holding onto, because he'll be in the major leagues before the year is done.

Player Updates and Notes

Trevor Crowe has been promoted to the Indians, with Matt LaPorta sent back down to the minors to think about his .190 major league debut. LaPorta's been one of the bigger rookie disappointments this year, but while he might not reach the crazy heights once projected, he should still be a fine player someday. Crowe, for his part, will have to hit right away in order to remain on the roster.

5/25/2009 by DataBoy

Matt LaPorta's dismal fall numbers (.164 average, 2 HR) probably spells doom for his already-slim shot at a roster berth this spring. According to MLB.com, he'll most likely spend at least half the year in AAA, if not more.

12/16/2008 by BallGrrrl

In an off-the-cuff remark in today's press conference, Indians GM Mark Shapiro described newly-acquired Matt LaPorta as a 'strong, first-base/DH type'. Since LaPorta's been nominally an outfielder until now, this Freudian slip may not bode well for Travis Hafner, Ryan Garko... or both.

7/16/2008 by KDaddy

Moving on up? Matt LaPorta has been traded to Cleveland as part of a four-prospect deal for ace CC Sabathia. This reduces LaPorta's big league ETA substantially, as the Indians are nowhere near as deep in corner outfield bats as the Brewers. LaPorta should see MLB action as soon as the second half, and he's probably a part of the long-term Indians offense. He could even get a shot at DHing every day if Travis Hafner's recovery takes much longer.

7/7/2008 by KDaddy

As expected, the Brewers have asked former C/1B-man LaPorta, will start working out in right field next month. With Mike Cameron on a 1yr rental, right field in 2009 seems LaPorta's most likely destination.

1/14/2008 by BallGrrrl

 

 

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