Matt LaPorta, 1b, Brewers

June 7, 2007
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2007 MLB Draft B-T: R-R
Ht: 6-1. Wt.: 215.
Birthdate: 1/1/85.
School: Florida
Class: Sr.
Previously Drafted: Red Sox, 14th round, 2006.


THROUGH THE YEARS IN BASEBALL AMERICA
2007
• Among college prospects, LaPorta ranks third for his ability to hit for power and second for his strike-zone judgment.
• LaPorta is a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the best player in college baseball.
• Craig Handel wrote that LaPorta's decision to return to Florida for his senior season will pay dividends in this year's draft.
• LaPorta is the top prospect from Florida.
• A monster first half and improved defense propelled LaPorta to the No. 12 spot on our midseason Top 30 Prospects list.
• John Manuel said that LaPorta's hot start improved his draft stock, but not to expect a senior discount because Scott Boras is his agent.
• In our college blog, Aaron Fitt noted how much LaPorta's improved plate discipline has helped his performance.
• LaPorta spoke with Aaron Fitt about the differences between his 2006 and 2007 seasons.
• LaPorta was our pick as college baseball's top senior in our midseason report.
• In our Early Draft Preview: College Top 100 Prospects list, LaPorta ranked No. 23 with the best raw power in the SEC as a preseason second-team All-America selection.
2006
• LaPorta showed power and patience at the plate this summer, earning him the No. 16 spot on our Cape Cod League Top 30 Prospects list.
• LaPorta's 2006 draft scouting report. He ranked No. 38 on our draft board. 
• In our college preview, LaPorta ranked seventh on our list of the Top 100 Prospects, and was the SEC preseason Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.
• Will Kimmey wrote a player profile LaPorta and the impressive numbers he has posted for the Gators.
2005
• Playing with a broken foot, LaPorta led Team USA after its Italian tour with five home runs and had a 10-game hitting streak.
• LaPorta was perhaps the most impressive player at the Team USA trials.

SCOUTING REPORT
Matt LaPorta
LaPorta led the nation in home runs as a sophomore in 2005, slugging 26 to set a school record. His power binge continued during that summer, when he anchored the heart of the order for Team USA's college national squad. His junior season was another story. He strained an oblique muscle in February, missed 13 games and never got untracked. The Red Sox drafted him in the 14th round last June, but he stuck to his bonus demands, reportedly $1 million, and returned to Gainesville for his senior season, with outstanding results. His .579 on-base percentage led the nation, as did his 1.432 on-base plus slugging. He has improved his approach and kept his hands inside the ball better this year, making better contact, and his plus-plus raw power remains a game-changing tool. When he gets his arms extended, he can launch balls out to all parts of the park. He's a below-average defensive player who is relegated to first base as a professional, but could be taken in the top half of the first round this year nonetheless. His adviser is Scott Boras, which can always be a factor in where a player goes.

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