Matt LaPorta has done nothing but disapoint since joining the Tribe in the CC Sabathia trade four years ago. After being selected with the 7th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Cleveland had high hopes for LaPorta once they acquired him. He put up solid numbers in the minor leagues, but once he got called up to the big leagues, he looked awful.LaPorta has been one big headache for the Indians this season. His struggles have forced Cleveland's front office to acquire young first baseman Lars Anderson from the Red Sox a few weeks ago. Anderson has high upside but, like LaPorta, hasn't been able to translate his solid numbers to the big leagues. Anderson, however, is three years younger than LaPorta, and may have a future in Cleveland. LaPorta has hit .269 with 19 homers and 57 RBI in Triple-A this season, and really struggled during his brief stint in the big leagues this year. This makes me believe that Cleveland will non-tender him this off-season.
Usually team's non-tender players because they don't want to deal with that player's salary, but this isn't the case with LaPorta. LaPorta wouldn't cost that much if Cleveland wishes to retain him, but cutting him loose would probably be the best thing for them. Let Anderson get some playing time at the big league level, or sign a decent free agent first baseman. That is what Cleveland should do, because at 27 years old, LaPorta doesn't really have a future in Cleveland, even though he might hit his prime any year now.
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