Yard Work: Matt LaPorta Breaking Down the Door

It was easy to understand the logic that caused the Indians to demote Matt LaPorta in early June. The 25-year-old, who is such a key piece to Cleveland's future, had struggled to a .218/.290/.277 line through June 6. The organization deemed it necessary to send him back to the minors to regain confidence in his game.

Boy, were they right.

Collecting 69 at-bats in 18 games played at Triple-A Columbus, LaPorta hit .362 with five HRs. He posted an on-base percentage of .457 and a slugging percentage of .638. Wait, is this the same guy that struggled to a .567 OPS in his first 119 at-bats of the 2010 MLB season?

The Indians took notice of the stark improvement, dealing Russell Branyan back to the Mariners for chump change and promoting LaPorta back to the majors on June 27. After 0-for-4 and 2-for-3 days in his first two games, LaPorta launched homers in three consecutive games. Mind you, he had just one HR in his early major-league stint this year.

Clearly the light has come on for LaPorta, who has a five-game hitting streak heading into Saturday's game and has raised his OPS over 100 points in the last week. His poor early season run is still supressing his overall stat-line, leaving owners weary at picking him up. Don't be that owner. LaPorta is quite capable of delivering a monster second half. Grab him in all but the shallowest of leagues and enjoy the blossoming star.

Catcher: Bengie Molina has been shipped to Texas, where he should be able to take advantage of a premium hitting environment and a lack of in-house quality as his position to post solid power numbers throughout the rest of the season. Chris Snyder could soon be on his way to Boston, which would make him a desirable add as well.

Corner Infield: LaPorta and Branyan, last week's suggested add, still make for great adds. If anyone hasn't jumped on the Aubrey Huff train yet, you're missing out. Edwin Encarnacion is back after dominating at Triple-A (.438, three HRs in seven games). He won't help your average, but he has plenty of power in his bat. Top prospect Josh Bell has been recalled for Baltimore -- he hit 20 HRs last year and 10 this year before his recall.

Middle Infield: Clint Barmes is locked into regular playing time with Troy Tulowitzki out, and he's hitting .321 with three bombs over the last month. Carlos Guillen can provide a little pop while also hitting for a high average. Wilson Valdez has two HRs in the last week, but only four in 141 at-bats this season. He'll see plenty of work with Chase Utley and Placido Polanco sidelined.

Outfield: Again, LaPorta would make a great pickup. So would Huff, if available. I'll re-recommend Pat Burrell from last week's column -- the Molina trade will only help his value. Will Venable hit four HRs over the last two weeks, but he's battling back issues. Seth Smith is still available in plenty of leagues, and he has 11 HRs and plays for Colorado, which should be all you need to know to grab him in deep leagues.