Calling LaPorta!!!

Ryan C
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Mon May 18, 2009 12:16 pm

I totally agree!



As for Skinner - I am not sure he is the long term answer - but he has put the time in with the organzation and was passed over for Wedge. He deserves a shot to see what he can do and he won't cost that much to boot.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Gordon Gekko II » Tue May 26, 2009 8:59 am

Indians optioned outfielder Matt LaPorta to Triple-A Columbus.



That was quick!

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NorCalAtlFan
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by NorCalAtlFan » Tue May 26, 2009 9:02 am

For Trevor Crowe no less!! For shame Matthew, for shame!!

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Return of the Aces » Tue May 26, 2009 9:14 am

If I was an Indians fan I really would be extremely frustated with (a) the way that LaPorta was used so far, and (b) LaPorta being sent down for Crowe. I am sure that the justification will be that "it is better for LaPorta's development to get regular at bats in the minors" yada, yada, yada. Even with that great come from behind victory the other day, the Indians are still 10 games under .500.

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by DOUGHBOYS » Tue May 26, 2009 11:36 am

Somehow, this will be Wedge's fault since Cleveland fan's are calling for his scalp. Pun intended.

I do think they have to step back and look at the guy pulling the strings though, and realize that Shapiro is not getting it done as well.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Wed May 27, 2009 4:02 am

Can't really argue with the demotion - as he was only hitting .190 - Crowe has been brought back as CF insurance for Grady Sizemore - who may have to go on the DL with an ailing elbow.



With Hafner due back soon the only way LaPorta could stick was for the Tribe to release David Dellucci. I think they may go that route in the future - but Shapiro apparently isn't ready to eat that contract just yet.



Also - Wedge did say they want LaPorta to play 1st base back in AAA, so he will be an option there once he gets called back up. He'll be back soon enough, and I think the next call up will be for good. Shapiro needs to move someone out - DeRosa, Garko, Dellucci, Shoppach - somebody to get some SP help.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Gordon Gekko II » Wed May 27, 2009 4:09 am

LaPorta is LaDuno

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Wed May 27, 2009 4:58 am

He is definitely NOT going to be this year's Ryan Braun - I think we don't see him again til July. Tribe's going to be sellers (again) GG and they have to give LaPorta a long look in the second half don't they???
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by DOUGHBOYS » Wed May 27, 2009 5:34 am

Travis Hafner just has to be thankful that he has that strong MLB players union and not a football contract. Otherwise he would have been cut and trying to catch on with another team. He is an albatross.

I'm starting to wonder how many first bases there are in Cleveland. By 2011 Victor Martinez should be the full time 1b with Carlos Santana(insert joke here) as their regular catcher.

I agree, Ryan, that the logjam has to be cleared. Maybe if Garko stays hot for a week or two he would be good bait for the Mets or someone else with 1b problems. As for LaPorta taking balls at 1b... crickets. They're just moving him from one logjam to another and his defensive skills do not support the move. He's going to end up biding his time waiting for injuries to open up a spot in the outfield.

Like Dan O'Dowd in Colorado, Shapiro has missed out on striking while the iron is hot. Shoppach had full value over the winter and Garko had a lot of value as well.

O'Dowd also missed out on trading Atkins while he was at full value and now rumors are circulating that he will trade Hawpe since interest in Atkins has dwindled.

I seem to be on a crusade to raise the level of awareness in chronic bad GM-manship lately. But when a GM in Pittsburgh is surprised that he can't peddle Jack Wilson and his large contract, or a guy in NY wants to turn a pitcher that was born to relieve into a starter, or a guy in San Diego gives a pitcher a full no-trade clause in his contract, and then makes public that that pitcher will be on the train leaving town before the season begins, well, the question has to be raised, do these guys "get it"?

GM's are closer to the situation than we, they know the players, have scouts in their ears...and yet, I feel that a majority of the people reading this post can do a better job with the non-business side of those clubs.
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Return of the Aces
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Return of the Aces » Tue Jul 28, 2009 5:03 am

Now that Garko has been traded, is there really any rational reason the Indians are recalling Marte and not giving LaPorta the nod?

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Tue Jul 28, 2009 6:40 am

Look - I'm a LaPorta owner - and was disappointed to see that the Indians were bringing up Marte first - but you can't say that he didn't earn the promotion. He was batting .327/.369/.593 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI at Columbus (AAA)this season, and the Indians HAVE to give him at least one more chance to show that he can be a major leaguer. He is still young enough (25 yo) himself still be considered a prospect. The Indians can not afford another Brandon Phillips or Jeremy Guthrie here - so I think Marte will get a long look for the rest of the year. He is out of options - so this is his last chance with the Tribe.



As for LaPorta - I think we will see him shortly after the trade deadline. I think the Indians are looking to unload Jhonny Peralta and/or Ben Francisco to open up everyday AB's for LaPorta.



One more thing about LaPorta - he is a born again Christian - and very out front with his devotion to God. His twitter account is Gator4God. Here is a little article about his spirituality.



Columbus Dispatch



Now I personally have no problem with a player devoting his life to Christ/God/Mohammed etc - but Who knows - perhaps Wedgie didn't think LaPorta's religious leanings were a good fit in the clubhouse. I haven't heard or read anything to back this up however...



Wouldn't be the first time it's been an issue in a MLB clubhouse. I still remember when Gary Gaetti became a born-again christian in 1988 after his two best seasons as a pro. Many thought he lost his fire and there were grumblings that he was a distraction in the clubhouse. The Twins let him walk two years later when his contract was up.



[ July 28, 2009, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: Ryan Carey ]
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Chest Rockwell » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:06 am

Originally posted by Ryan Carey:

Look - I'm a LaPorta owner - and was disappointed to see that the Indians were bringing up Marte first - but you can't say that he didn't earn the promotion. He was batting .327/.369/.593 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI at Columbus (AAA)this season, and the Indians HAVE to give him at least one more chance to show that he can be a major leaguer. He is still young enough (25 yo) himself still be considered a prospect. The Indians can not afford another Brandon Phillips or Jeremy Guthrie here - so I think Marte will get a long look for the rest of the year. He is out of options - so this is his last chance with the Tribe.



As for LaPorta - I think we will see him shortly after the trade deadline. I think the Indians are looking to unload Jhonny Peralta and/or Ben Francisco to open up everyday AB's for LaPorta.



One more thing about LaPorta - he is a born again Christian - and very out front with his devotion to God. His twitter account is Gator4God. Here is a little article about his spirituality.



Columbus Dispatch



Now I personally have no problem with a player devoting his life to Christ/God/Mohammed etc - but Who knows - perhaps Wedgie didn't think LaPorta's religious leanings were a good fit in the clubhouse. I haven't heard or read anything to back this up however...



Wouldn't be the first time it's been an issue in a MLB clubhouse. I still remember when Gary Gaetti became a born-again christian in 1988 after his two best seasons as a pro. Many thought he lost his fire and there were grumblings that he was a distraction in the clubhouse. The Twins let him walk two years later when his contract was up. Ryan I have had the pleasure of being friends with a current big leaguer for almost his entire big league career. We spoke a lot his first couple of years about life in the big leagues. The biggest shock I had was the extent to which young players are seen, but not heard in a big league clubhouse. I knew it happened. I was just shocked to the extent that it happened. No personality is big enough or respected enough to shift the culture ( if anyone could it would be this guy who went on to be captain of a 2 time world champ).



I sometimes get a chuckle out of what Jim Mecir and John Valentine are doing now b/c they along with Joe Kerrigan abused the crud out of him.

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by NorCalAtlFan » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:48 am

Tell Tek to give up the Switch hitting:P

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Raskol » Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:10 am

Originally posted by NorCalAtlFan:

Tell Tek to give up the Switch hitting:P No doubt.



And to at least try to throw out a runner every now and then. :mad:
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Chest Rockwell » Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:55 pm

Originally posted by Raskol:

quote:Originally posted by NorCalAtlFan:

Tell Tek to give up the Switch hitting:P No doubt.



And to at least try to throw out a runner every now and then. :mad:
[/QUOTE]I lost him in the recent divorce. You probably have a greater chance of talking to him than I do from now on.

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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:23 am

Looks like LaPorta will be packing his bags for Cleveland as the Tribe has reportedly sent Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to the Phillies for Carlos Carrasco, C Lou Marson, Class A P Jason Donals and Utility IF Jason Donald.



The interesting name here besides Carrasco in my opinion is Lou Marson. He is a major league ready Catcher - which leads me to believe that the Indians are going to trade Victor Martinez if they can. Stay tuned - the Indians are not done yet I think.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by DOUGHBOYS » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:49 am

This deal begs another deal on both team's parts. Francisco is too good to be a backup outfielder ala Jason Michaels. I am guessing he'll be flipped elswhere.

Cleveland has Carlos Santana with 19 hr's and 70 rbi at Akron. Marsdon gives them four players who can catch next year. Although, Shoppach had two passed balls in one inning today, while Victor can't throw out an octogenarian trying to steal second base.

Donald could be a good one too. It looks like a good return for Cleveland, but not getting a major league pitcher back leaves them with zero sure starters for next years staff. Yikes.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Edwards Kings » Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:27 am

The Tribe bringing up Trevor Crowe. LaPorta so far is staying in Columbus.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by DOUGHBOYS » Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:42 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

The Tribe bringing up Trevor Crowe. LaPorta so far is staying in Columbus. I think I saw Mark Shapiro on a Geico commercial.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Ryan C » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:13 am

Okay - I understand that you need Crowe to give Sizemore a day off in CF every 5th day - but shouldn't Chris Jiminez have gone back down to make room for LaPorta??? This makes about as much sense as trading two Cy Young winners in consectcutive seasons - Oh wait!!!



One can only hope after Vmart gets traded today (yes I am expecting it) and the calender turns from July to August Laporta will be up for the rest of the season.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Head 2 Head » Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:25 am

Originally posted by Ryan Carey:

One can only hope after Vmart gets traded today (yes I am expecting it) Good call.
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Calling LaPorta!!!

Post by Glenneration X » Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:36 am

Originally posted by Head 2 Head:

quote:Originally posted by Ryan Carey:

One can only hope after Vmart gets traded today (yes I am expecting it) Good call. [/QUOTE]News update I expect to see by end of day just to further torture & frustrate the LaPorta owners....



Lou Marson called up from the minors to play 1B/C.

LaPorta still stuck in minors despite hitting three home runs tonight.



Glenn

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