The Book on Matt LaPorta

Prospect Info

CLEMatt LaPorta
Born 1/8/1985
OF, CLE

He might have been better off going to an AL team in the first place, but now that he's an Indian at least 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 also shows 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, he wasn't the shiniest prospect in the bin, but LaPorta's ridiculous .579 OBP in college is impossible to ignore. A power hitter who also has an exceptional batting eye, he ended the college season last year in the country's top 20 in almost every category, from batting average to homers, slugging percentage to runs scored.

He's really 2009 or 2010 tinder, but he does also stand a chance of making a Jack Cust-like breakout at midseason sometime.

Ranking in ScoutingBook (11/18/2008): #5

Ranking in Baseball America 2008: #23

Ranking in Baseball Prospectus: #31

Ranking in MiLB.com Season Preview Unranked

Ranking from the Sporting News: #43

Ranking from ESPN: #37

Player Updates and Notes

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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