Matt LaPorta News

Andy Marte and Jordan Brown gave the Indians a lot to think about with their performance at Triple-A Columbus this year, and Topps has recognized their efforts.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee shuts down the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series.

Both are lefthanded. Both won an American League Cy Young Award as a member of the Cleveland Indians .

CLEVELAND: Last week toward the end of his second interview with the Indians, Manny Acta was asked what he would do if the Houston Astros and the Indians both offered him their job as manager.

CLEVELAND: Torey Lovullo is on General Manager Mark Shapiro's short list to be the Indians' next manager, but why have him go through the interview process? Don't the Tribe's deep thinkers know Lovullo by now? He has been in the organization for eight years, the past four as Triple-A manager, three at Buffalo and this season at Columbus.

It is nice to know that Alex Rodriguez is, as he puts it, in a good place this October.

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Mat Gamel or Matt LaPorta? That was the question facing Milwaukee Brewers' GM Doug Melvin last season when it became clear that the Brewers were the front runner to obtain pitcher CC Sabathia.

Boston pitching coach John Farrell isn't coming and Matt LaPorta might not be playing when the 2010 season opens for the Indians.

Matt LaPorta limped his way through the final weeks of the 2009 season because of a lingering left hip issue.

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right-handed pitcher Chris Perez underwent surgeries Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic Sports Center.

BOSTON: Shin-Soo Choo became the first Asian-born major leaguer to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a season when he went deep Saturday night.

Shin-Soo Choo said he felt relief, more than joy, about becoming the first Asian player to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases in one season in the big leagues.

After seven seasons with Wedge a constant fixture in the dugout as players came and went, Hafner is facing the uncertainty that comes when a team fires a skipper and his coaching staff.

BOSTON: Nobody wants to confront grim reality, but sometimes it's unavoidable. So how bad will the Indians be next year? Forty wins? How about 55? Do I hear 60? The perception is that 2010 will be the ideal season for all but the most hard-core fans to turn an apathetic ear to the Tribe.

Clubhouse confidential: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera batted leadoff Saturday against Baltimore in place of outfielder Michael Brantley .

Eric Wedge will not return as manager of the Indians in 2010. Audio: Paul Hoynes talks about Wedge and where the Indians go from here in his weekly chat.

Rookie Matt LaPorta, one of the few reasons still left to watch the Indians, didn't play Wednesday because of a sore left hip.

In the third inning Thursday night against Detroit, Brantley hit a two-run single off the "Heat Miser" fastball from Tigers ace Justin Verlander .

An ailing left hip won't put a damper on the strong finish to his rookie season for Indians outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta.