With Travis Hafner on the disabled list the Cleveland Indians have called up top outfield prospect Matt LaPorta. LaPorta of course was the key reward when the Indians dealt CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers. He should be picked up in all but the shallowest of leagues. He begins by platooning with David Dellucci but if he continues to hit the way he was at triple-A that won't last long.LaPorta has amazing power and should eventually hit for a good average. He has good contact skills but still needs to develop more patience and discipline at the plate. In a full season of at-bats he could easily hit 30 homeruns and is likely to approach forty once he adjusts to the major leagues. This season I would expect something in the 260-270 range with 25-plus homers if he stays in the majors the rest of the season. He is likely to be streaky as pitchers adjust and he adjusts back to them. But those hot streaks will be what fantasy owners live for -- like the older players in your league when they talk about Darryl Strawberry's epic streaks.
IMPORTANT: Do not sleep on Luis Valbuena who was also called up. He could very well be starting before the end of the week. He has pop and speed and qualifies at second base.
| Season | Team | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2007 | Brewers (R) | 7 | 27 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0.259 |
| 2007 | Brewers (A) | 23 | 88 | 28 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 18 | 27 | 7 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0.318 |
| 2008 | Indians (AA) | 17 | 60 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0.233 |
| 2008 | Brewers (AA) | 84 | 302 | 87 | 23 | 2 | 20 | 56 | 66 | 45 | 63 | 2 | 1 | 0.288 |
| 2009 | Indians (AAA) | 21 | 75 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 14 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.333 |
LaPorta called up and ready to play
Matt LaPorta and Luis Valbuena Ready for Impact
Hot Prospect Profile—MATT LAPORTA
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