Matt LaPorta

LaPorta got off to a horrible start in spring training and never got into a groove, hitting .249/.299/.412 with 87 strikeouts in 385 plate appearances for the Indians. He didn't see much playing time in September and the team was actively looking for an upgrade this winter. He simply hasn't shown much of anything now in 269 games for the Indians and the honeymoon, if it wasn't already over after his 2010 struggles, is most certainly over by now. He may still enter spring as the team's best option at first base if the offseason doesn't net an upgrade, but you have to imagine his leash is pretty short as he enters his age-27 season.

LaPorta got off to a slow start and was demoted to Triple-A before the trade of Russell Branyan opened up regular playing time. His overall numbers weren't pretty and he slumped badly in the season's last two months. He'll be given every chance to fulfill the promise he displayed as a minor leaguer as Cleveland's regular first baseman to open 2011.

LaPorta earned a callup to Cleveland after hitting .299 with 17 homers in 93 games to start the season at Triple-A. He got off to a quick start for the Indians before getting slowed by a hip injury, finishing the season with a .254 average and seven homers in 52 games. He underwent hip surgery in the offseason which will shelve him for four-to-six months, potentially impacting his readiness when spring training starts. The Indians had hoped he could handle first base duties, but those plans may have changed after the surgery. He'll be a big part of the Indians' lineup once he gets back on the field, regardless of where they decide to put his glove.

LaPorta, the key piece in the CC Sabathia trade, struggled after coming over to the Indians, hitting just .233 before heading off to the Olympics. He hit just .164 with two homers and 22 strikeouts in 67 at-bats in the Domincan Winter League in the offseason. There's little reason to think that he won't bounce back and recapture the form that he showed at Double-A before the trade (.288, 20 homers and 66 RBI in 84 games) but his late season struggles will likely keep the Indians from considering him for a corner outfield spot this spring.

LaPorta was the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft. His hitting ability has never been in doubt, but his fielding is a question mark. The Brewers are going to try him in the outfield though a number of scouts are skeptical that he'll be able to play anywhere other than DH. He hit .318/.392/.750 with 10 home runs in 23 games at Low-A West Virginia in his pro debut and has often been compared to Pat Burrell.