If there is a winner in the recent trade between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Indians, it just might be Matt LaPorta.
Understandably, most of the national media's focus has been on the Brew Crew's acquisition of CC Sabathia for the postseason run. But let's flip to the other side of the coin and take a look at the centerpiece of the deal.
I was more than a little surprised whilst taking in some Sox/Yanks action on ESPN this weekend to hear Joe Morgan and Jon Miller talking about the former UF star as a trade chip. Something about giving up the gem of your farm system and his bright future for a few months' rental of a pitcher - albeit, a reigning Cy Young-winning pitcher - just doesn't seem like the smartest way to go.
But though LaPorta had grown almost a cult following among Brewers devotees, the truth is their stud prospect had become hopelessly blocked at the major-league level, and therefore expendable.
Milwaukee drafted LaPorta as a left fielder because Prince Fielder - 50 home runs last year means you may have heard of him - lays claim to his former position at first base, and he has played mostly right field for the Huntsville Stars, their Double-A team, this season. But Ryan Braun was moved to left field because of his atrocious glove at third, and Corey Hart has blossomed into a solid player in right field. And neither of them are going anywhere.
So even though the former Gator looked to rise quickly to the big leagues on the strength of his bat, the Brewers really didn't have a place to put him.
Many Cleveland fans were less than thrilled about the swap, to the point that Cleveland owner Paul Dolan published an open letter to the Tribe faithful explaining the reason behind the organization's decision.
But those fans should take heart. LaPorta is just what the Indians need - a young power bat to produce at one of the corner outfield positions. Plus, he's as can't-miss as they come.
Most importantly, though, the 23-year-old sensation's path to the majors has cleared in the blink of an eye. LaPorta could take over in the outfield, but Ryan Garko should watch his back, too - the Tribe's first baseman has had a somewhat disappointing season, and the Indians plan to keep LaPorta fresh at his old position by taking ground balls there in Double-A Akron.
Oh, and there's also that handy little thing the American League likes to call the designated hitter. With Travis Hafner on the decline, that's one more option for Cleveland's marquee acquisition.
Wherever he ends up on the field, it shouldn't be too long before LaPorta is mashing balls over the walls at Progressive Field.
Of course, being "the other guy" in a trade like this doesn't come without its drawbacks. Sabathia-sized expectations have been placed on LaPorta's broad shoulders, and the young slugger will have many disgruntled Tribe fans waiting for him to falter.
But LaPorta has a history of meeting - and exceeding - the lofty expectations that are put upon him.
And now the road to the majors is as smooth as the swing that will make him a star.
