By Adam Forsyth
The Deep
Matt LaPorta – First Base/Outfield (LF)
Thought we’d lead in with today’s “The Deep” pickup followed by the “The Shallow” – just to mix things up!
Will the badly struggling Cleveland Indians give this power 1B/OF a shot after a rough start to their season has them looking up in the Central Division?
Lighting it up in AAA-Columbus, LaPorta has given them every reason to at least give him a shot at some payback from last seasons’ CC Sabathia deal. One way or the other, LaPorta will be called up and fantasy owners are only praying that it is sooner rather than later to have a deeper fantasy impact.
With David Delucci still having some calf issues (Although he had a 3 for 4 night for the Clippers yesterday), and Ben Francisco struggling at the plate, it would make sense for the Indians to allow the 24-year old his first taste of major league ball. Should he get an early season call you can definitely expect some bumps en route to becoming a solid fantasy contributor.
Note: Matt LaPorta’s former minor league team, the Akron Aeros will be honoring the big guy later this season with a Matt LaPorta Bobblehead day on Saturday, July 18th 2009. Bobblehead Daze will have more on the Matt LaPorta bobblehead when the Aeros face the Bowie Baysox at Canal Park . According to the Aeros website, 1000 Matt “Mash” LaPorta Bobbles will be given out, featured in his Team USA uniform from last summer’s 2008 Olympics. Cool.
The Shallow
Jason Kubel – DH/Outfield (LF)
In a line-up like the Minnesota Twins produce nightly, Kubel fits in nicely as a source of under-rated power and the ability to drive in runs and when slotted in the order he follows the MVP caliber bat of Canadian Justin Morneau. Not a bad place to be.
Unfortunately, the Twins have an abundance of OF talent; thus Kubel is usually expected to leave his glove on the bench and perform as the DH. While it hasn’t had an effect on his output, many are afraid to grab lower skilled batsmen that don’t typically play every day; but Kubel has given every reason to be on a fantasy roster as he is on fire out of the gate in 2009.
Don’t expect this torrid pace to continue, but thinking the heavy hitter could pop his way to joining the 30 HR club wouldn’t necessarily be obscene.
