Here’s how far Matt LaPorta’s stock has fallen since he was the centerpiece of the package Cleveland received for CC Sabathia in mid-2008: Yesterday the Indians dropped LaPorta from the 40-man roster and he went unclaimed by the other 29 teams on waivers.
That means LaPorta--now 28 years old and the owner a career .694 OPS in 291 games in the majors--will remain in the Indians’ organization after being sent outright to Triple-A. He’s no longer on the 40-man roster, however, so if he performs well in the minors the Indians would have to re-add him before a potential call-up.
LaPorta underwent hip surgery last month that makes him no sure thing to be healthy by Opening Day, so the former seventh overall pick is facing some long odds.
