Matt LaPorta to the Indians

Matt LaPorta was traded to the Indians along with RHP Rob Bryson, LHP Zach Johnson, and a player to be named later for CC Sabathia. LaPorta is the keystone to this deal and may see time this season for the Indians. LaPorta went to college at the University of Florida and is a right handed power hitter who can play OF and 3B. He was playing in AA for the Huntsville Stars of the Southern league before he was traded.

2008 Stats YTD
AVG: .288
2B: 23
HR: 20
RBI: 66
BB: 45
K: 63
OPS: .978

I have seen him ranked as the 15th best prospect in all of minor league baseball and I am very surprised that the Indians didn't land Matt Gamel as well to replace Casey Blake at 3B. The Indians could also move him back to 3B instead because he was moved to the OF to make room for Gamel.

Jayson Stark was on the Jody McDonald show 950 ESPN and said that the Phillies wouldn't give up Carrasco or AA catcher Lou Marson to get the deal done. The Phillies don't have a position player in their organization that is even close to LaPorta right now. As a Phillies fan, I have no idea why they wouldn't move Carrasco and now we have to wait on Harden or Burrnett.