Matt LaPorta
From SoSH
| Born: | January 8, 1985 |
| Birthplace: | Port Charlotte, Florida |
| Height: | 6' 1" |
| Weight: | 215 lbs. |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 2006: 14th Round, 433rd Pick by the Boston Red Sox |
| College: | University of Florida |
| High School: | Port Charlotte High School (FL) |
| ETA: |
Matt LaPorta (born January 8, 1985 in Port Charlotte, FL) was drafted by the Red Sox in the 14th round of the 2006 Amateur Draft. Rated by Baseball America as the 38th best prospect for the 2006 Draft. A tough sign because his advisor is Scott Boras, and questions about his true value. Matt was drafted 7th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2007 Draft.
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Scouting Report
- Big, strong first baseman with unlimited power potential. Started his college career at catcher, but mostly played first and some third base. Average to below average in the field. Makes good contact and shows patience for a power hitter. Struggled in 2006 with oblique injury. Slipped in the draft because of signability issues. ~ SoxProspects.com
- LaPorta has quickly erased a forgettable injury-riddled junior season with a monster senior campaign. With nothing to lose and healthy, he appears to be relaxed and enjoying the game again. It seems that his decision not to sign with the Red Sox after being drafted in the 14th round a year ago will be a good one for him. ~ MiLB.com
Amateur Career
Hampered by an early oblique muscle strain, he had a poor junior season in 2006, hitting .247 with 14 homers in 146 ABs. Was an All-American as a sophomore in 2005, hitting .336, slugging .718 with 24 homers in 238 ABs.
LaPorta quickly erased a forgettable injury-riddled junior season with a monster senior campaign. With nothing to lose and healthy, he appears to be relaxed and enjoying the game again. It seems that his decision not to sign with the Red Sox after being drafted in the 14th round a year ago will be a good one for him.
Amateur Awards
- 2005 SEC Player of the Year
- 2005 First Team All-American (Baseball America)
- 2005 D1 First Team All-American (ABCA)
- 2007 College All-America First Team (BA)
Trivia
- LaPorta was drafted 3 separate times in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. The first coming in 2003 when the Cubs took him in the 14th round, and the second time coming in 2006 when the Red Sox drafted him again in the 14th round. Matt finally signed with a Major League team in 2007 when the Milwaukee Brewers selected him 7th overall.
External Links
- Matt LaPorta - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects
- 2007 Draft Report - Courtesy of MiLB.com
- Matt LaPorta - Florida Gator Player Page
