Matt LaPorta?

[SuddenRedScare]

he cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minor leagues. brewers could've claimed him.

 

This makes me wonder what they have planned for their RH bench bat. What's Kevin Mench up to these days?

[JohnBriggs12]

he cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minor leagues. brewers could've claimed him.

 

This makes me wonder what they have planned for their RH bench bat. What's Kevin Mench up to these days?

 

Whoever is not catching that day. Seriously, this perceived need for a righthanded bench bat, is way overblown. There figures to be 7 potent RH bats in the lineup every day. On the days where there are only 6, Gomez will be available. Most teams will combat that lineup with righthanded relievers anyway. Sure there will be times when the pitchers spot is due up first followed by Aoki, where they'll bring in a lefty. Brewers will just go with Bianchi in the pitchers spot and will stick with Aoki.

 

Still it's possible they'll add another RH bench bat, but it's going to be somebody that can live with a very limited role.

[brewcrewdue80]

I myself wondered the need for a RB bench bat. My guess was there's plenty of RH bench batting to pass around on given days off for the starters. The Rule 5 draft is forthcoming so let's see what Brewers grab from that.

[endaround]

Its because there is no proof Aoki can hit LH pitching well enough to play a corner OF position full time.

 

Add in that the bench currently looks to have Green and Schafer. And there is no reason to expect Maldonado to hit well.

[Warning Track Power]

I am probably crazy but I would like to see what a change of scenery could do for LaPorta. It wouldn't cost much and I would gladly take a flier on him.

[DHonks]

Remember when the Indians gave up on Richie Sexson? 29 teams gave up on Nelson Cruz. Didn't all 30 also struggle to give Jose Bautista ample time to hone his skills? I'd love a flier on LaPorta.

[brewmann04]

If it does not cost alot i totally agree it worth a look,but seems like they are going to stay inside the team.

[dhoffman19]

Remember when the Indians gave up on Richie Sexson? 29 teams gave up on Nelson Cruz. Didn't all 30 also struggle to give Jose Bautista ample time to hone his skills? I'd love a flier on LaPorta.

 

I don't think the Indians "gave up "on Sexson. They traded him b/c they had plenty of offense, they needed pitching, and Sexson was blocked at 1B by Thome. They had him playing OF, which was not exactly his strength. Sexson also had 31 HR the year before at the age of 24, so he was a more or less proven MLB commodity at the time of the trade. LaPorta, on the other hand, has never done squat in MLB and he's 27 years old. Taking a flyer on LaPorta is one thing, but I just don't see the Sexson comparison.

[brewcrewdue80]

I'm going to pass on LaPorta for now. it's time for a wait and see approach. Spring Training games. 25man roster decisions let's see if a player catches our eyes or falls out of someone else's who is a ML producing player vs what LaPorta has accomplished.

[DHonks]

true, they didn't give up on Sexson, but the soured on him. Crazy looking back at how good that trade was for us. Sexson, Scutaro, Rigdon, and Kane Davis for Wickman, Bere, and Woodard.

[Ennder]

I didn't think LaPorta had a future in the majors when he was a top prospect.

I didn't think he had a future after we traded him.

I don't think he has a future now.

 

I'll pass.

[jerichoholicninja]

Agreed. I'm not sure exactly what LaPorta has done to earn a major league roster spot anywhere.

[TURBO]

If he wasn't once our property, I don't think anyone would be talking about him now...

[Invader3K]

If he wasn't once our property, I don't think anyone would be talking about him now...

 

Correct. He might warrant a minor league deal and that's about it at this point. I have to believe Indians fans are still pissed about the Sabathia trade.

[Warning Track Power]

If he wasn't once our property, I don't think anyone would be talking about him now...

Agreed...however, he genuinely seems like a prime candidate for a change of scenery and given he would cost almost nothing, it would be worth it given our less than ideal 1B situation. While his career screams AAAA player, a flier on him would be better than Lyle Overbay or Carlos Lee.

[TURBO]

I would rather see Carlos Lee back in Milwaukee myself. Maybe getting back to his old stomping grounds might rejuvenate him a bit.

 

Of course, it would have to come at a decent price, no way do I want to overpay for a guy we will use for a month to 6 weeks, then have our manager creatively trying to plug him into our line-up for the rest of the season just to keep him happy.

[Warning Track Power]

Of course, it would have to come at a decent price, no way do I want to overpay for a guy we will use for a month to 6 weeks, then have our manager creatively trying to plug him into our line-up for the rest of the season just to keep him happy.

This is EXACTLY why I would rather take a flier on LaPorta or a LaPorta type like Lars Anderson(change of scenery, 20s guy) over Lee or Overbay. Good call Turbo. I hadn't even thought of the RR angle.

[Invader3K]

I think people are being a bit unfair on Roenicke. Macha playing veterans too much? Sure. I'm not sure Roenicke is really guilty of the same.

[Ennder]

I think people are being a bit unfair on Roenicke. Macha playing veterans too much? Sure. I'm not sure Roenicke is really guilty of the same.

 

 

he certainly is not.