LaPorta is Back in Cleveland: Just a 3-Day Jaunt?
Per my usual morning routine, I was reading the Tribe's homepage along with sports tweets and was somewhat pleased to see that Matt LaPorta has been promoted to the Indians and will start Sunday, presumably in Left Field. Some would say that this was an inevitable and positive move.
Laporta's numbers at AAA Columbus are impressive (.307, 14 Home Runs, 32 RBIs). Laporta also has a respectable 23/38 Walk/Strikeout ratio. Oh yes, and he is Right Handed, a need that the Indians have failed to address (as was clearly evident against the White Sox, as the Tribe's left-handed offense floundered in embarrassment).
Still, I must stress that these numbers are nothing new. LaPorta has always dominated in the Minor Leagues and may be a terrific example of a AAAA player (a designation that doesn't exist but could accurately describe many players in baseball). His previous success has just never translated over into the Big Leagues (career: .238 BA with a 81/206 walks/strikeout ratio). And while I sincerely hope that Laporta can carry over his success from one Ohio club to another this time, there is additional logic at play here: LaPorta's numbers are good; the fact that he hasn't realized that potential in Cleveland could be a fluke. If that is a case, he has trade value, but would need MLB exposure to get it. So in a sense, this could be a big break for LaPorta, just maybe not with Cleveland. He might be a good fit in Oakland, as Manny Ramirez's delay in returning from his PED suspension lingers on, although I question what the Athletics could offer in return.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a doubter of LaPorta's abilities, nor am a rooting for his failure. On the contrary. While I value Johnny Damon's leadership ability, his .180 Batting Average, 1 home run, and 11/12 walk/strikeout ratio has been uninspiring, plus he is left handed and provides substandard defense in Left Field (a forgivable offense if he hit better). Of course it has been pointed out that Damon has had to adjust to the air away from Arizona (where he trained for the Indians) and get enough at bats to regain his timing. I believe Damon has reached that point and hope for a positive turnaround (in the perfect world, LaPorta and Damon could platoon left field).
One thing that stuck out in my mind today, however, was a comment Indians Manager Manny Acta said (and was reported on Twitter): When asked if LaPorta would be with the Tribe after Damon's three day absence, he stated "I don't even know if I will be here after three days." Obviously, Acta is not losing his job. But it makes me wonder what might be happening behind the scenes in the Indians front office, as it had been previously reported that roster moves were being discussed.
At the moment, all of this is speculation, however. I look forward to seeing LaPorta play for the Tribe and hope to see a confident player standing before the Twins today.
This could be the beginning of something great. So stay tuned...
*Please note that all statistics where obtained through www.Indians.com.
*The rumor associated with Manny Ramirez's delay was reported by ESPN's Rumor Central.
