2010 Matt LaPorta

Is it time to write-off Matt LaPorta?

If you're in a mixed league, he's already either not on your team or sitting on your reserve list. He's become a part-time player as of late, and while it's never a good idea to sit your future in favor of Austin Kearns or Shelley Duncan, I can't say I blame Manny Acta for not running LaPorta out there every day.

Unlike Justin Smoak, there isn't any light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to LaPorta. The only faint positive is that LaPorta's walking nearly once every 10 plate appearances: a slightly better rate than last year. Everything else has simply been horrible.

No power? Check. Not getting on base? Check. Nothing hopeful in his splits? Check.

The one split that jumps out are LaPorta's horrible numbers at home. At Progressive Field, he has a horrible 361 OPS, compared to a less ghastly 701 on the road. Is he pressing at home? I don't know, but it's the only explanation I can think of.

If you're playing for this year in an A.L.-only, it's time to cut bait if you haven't already. It's tough to admit that a top prospect like LaPorta is a sunk cost, but try to throw him in to a dump deal if you can. If he does bounce back, at least he'll be doing it for a non-contender.

As of right now, though, it's hard to see any light at the end of this particular tunnel.