Future Focus: Matt LaPorta

Florida 1B Matt LaPorta

Class DOB Ht Wt B T
Senior 2/12/86 6′1″ 215 R R

Year G AB R H HR RBI BB SO AVG OBP SLG
2004 50 130 31 37 14 37 13 39 0.285 0.371 0.646
2005 70 265 75 87 26 79 44 65 0.328 0.438 0.698
2006 43 158 31 41 14 38 28 34 0.259 0.410 0.538

LaPorta was considered among the top talent entering the 2006 season but a strained oblique muscle and the pressure of living up to that hype short-circuited his season. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the 14th round of the 2006 draft as a junior after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs 14th round of 2003 draft out of high school.  Adding to the challenge was his agent, Scott Boras, who set a salary requirement beyond what Boston was willing to spend. He spent some time in the Cape Cod League where he batted only 250/394/463 in 108AB in the wood bat summer league. Despite his struggles, LaPorta remains among the top college bats available (albeit in a down year for college bats). LaPorta is really a wild card this season. A strong season could propel him into the first round but the supplemental first or second round seem more likely.