Chris Davis is a Keeper

[brianod]

No-one has mentioned the fact that he hit a 3 run, opposite field homer in Comerica park using a one handed swing. This is his first year as a regular and the sky is the limit when we teach him to use both hands:) Seriously, that kind of power doesn't grow on trees. When you can hit a homerun to the opposite field of a big ballpark against a pitchers pitch with one hand, that is a sign that you can have a long, successful career imo.

[Grt 2BA FL Gator]

No-one has mentioned the fact that he hit a 3 run, opposite field homer in Comerica park using a one handed swing. This is his first year as a regular and the sky is the limit when we teach him to use both hands:) Seriously, that kind of power doesn't grow on trees. When you can hit a homerun to the opposite field of a big ballpark against a pitchers pitch with one hand, that is a sign that you can have a long, successful career imo.

It's interesting, I'm hot and cold on Davis (probably because that's the nature of his game). I'm not sure how much room for improvement he has. He doesn't walk a lot. Sometimes he looks the part as a solid hitter to all fields, but he just gets so darn cold. I wouldn't really mind going into next year with him as DH. He is pretty versatile as we have seen this year and he is still young.

That said, his numbers this year are right about at his career averages. Not sure how much improving he has left to do..

[MarylandAaron]

I agree. Davis has quietly had a productive season for us, especially for this being his first full year in Baltimore. I think of him as a Luke Scott, except younger and cheaper, although without the on-base skills. He now has 19 HR's, which puts him on pace for somewhere in the mid-20's, plus his HR's always seem to come in key situations. And as you said, this cat has ridiculous power and is still young. I'm glad the O's have him.

[isestrex]

I think he's a poor man's Mark Reynolds. I doubt Davis will ever hit 40 HR's unless he improves his K rate. Reynolds has proven he can hit 40 with a horrific K rate.

I'd rather have Reynolds than Davis long term....

[OFFNY]

I think he's a poor man's Mark Reynolds. I doubt Davis will ever hit 40 HR's unless he improves his K rate. Reynolds has proven he can hit 40 with a horrific K rate.

I'd rather have Reynolds than Davis long term ....

I think that Reynolds has also distinguished himself as a good fielder at one position, which I don't believe that Davis has.

Showalter was talking during the pre-game show the other day about how he thinks that Reynolds would be still ready to play 3rd base if necessary ........ but I'll be pretty upset if I see him at any other position besides first base from here on out. He's really come into his own there, and that, coupled with Machado now playing 3rd, has really solidified our infield defense as compared to the way that it looked earlier in the season.

.

[Camden_yardbird]

Do his splits suggest he could be an improvement if in a platoon?

[skanar]

Do his splits suggest he could be an improvement if in a platoon?

To a degree, yes, but not greatly so. For his career:

Chris Davis vs RHP: .761 OPS

Chris Davis vs LHP: .695 OPS

And just for reference,

Mark Reynolds vs RHP: .782 OPS

Mark Reynolds vs LHP: .877 OPS

[Grt 2BA FL Gator]

I think he's a poor man's Mark Reynolds. I doubt Davis will ever hit 40 HR's unless he improves his K rate. Reynolds has proven he can hit 40 with a horrific K rate.

I'd rather have Reynolds than Davis long term....

I agree 100%. If I had to choose one, I'd take Reynolds. I personally think Davis should potentially get the chance as the primary DH who can fill in at Corner OF/1st.

[Jonesy10]

He needs work, but I agree. Like him alot.

[Mondo Trasho]

If he can cut the strikeouts down a bit and increase the walks just a tad, he could be Ryan Klesko. DH type, with the skills to play corner outfield or 1st if needed. Davis has almost similar numbers as Klesko circa 96-97.

[Purple Oriole]

I agree. I want him to be our 'franchise' 1B/DH. He still needs alot of work, but I believe he'll get better and could eventually be a .260-.280 hitter 35+ HR player if he learns how to take pitches and stop striking out.

[isestrex]

I agree. I want him to be our 'franchise' 1B/DH. He still needs alot of work, but I believe he'll get better and could eventually be a .260-.280 hitter 35+ HR player if he learns how to take pitches and stop striking out.

But Reynolds is that now and only 3 years older.... why commit to a guy who "might" get there when you could just stick with a guy who is already at that level.

...especially considering the point OFFNY brought up that Reynolds can actually play solid defense at 1B.

It's really no contest IMO

[notyourbuddy]

Chris Davis' (1496 PA) and Wily Mo Pena's (1845 PA) career stats at the Majors...

Chris Davis vs Wily Mo Pena

-------------------------------------------

Walk rate: 6.4% vs 6.0%

K rate: 31.1% vs 30.3%

ISO: .191 vs .195

AVG: .251 vs .250

OBP: .301 vs .303

SLG: .442 vs .445

Chris Davis is a nice guy and all... but.. just saying.

[Mondo Trasho]

But Reynolds is that now and only 3 years older.... why commit to a guy who "might" get there when you could just stick with a guy who is already at that level.

...especially considering the point OFFNY brought up that Reynolds can actually play solid defense at 1B.

It's really no contest IMO

I'd have to see what kind of money we'd be talking about in order for me to agree with this. For now though, this isn't a pressing issue.

[Three Run Homer]

The O's should hire Jim Thome to be Chris Davis' personal hitting coach. If Chris Davis could ever learn plate discipline, he'd be an outstanding hitter.