Seventh in a sequence analyzing the New York Mets.
Brodie Van Wagenen’s tenure operating the Mets has been combined, at finest, with the notable miss on the commerce with Seattle that introduced Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to Queens in alternate for prime prospects Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn.
However there have been profitable strikes, as properly, and among the finest examples is the acquisition of J.D. Davis in a commerce — which didn’t obtain a lot consideration on the time, however has paid dividends.
Nonetheless, after a strong first season with the Mets, it stays laborious to know precisely the place Davis matches into the crew’s plans, since there’s no perfect place for him defensively.
He performed in 79 video games in left discipline and 31 at third base in 2019, however was used virtually completely in left within the second half of the season. He by no means obtained comfy at both spot and was ceaselessly changed late in video games.
However his bat was higher than anticipated, and Davis remained within the lineup all year long.
Earlier than spring coaching was shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis was as soon as once more getting work at each spots, and he was working with infield coach Gary DiSarcina.
With an infield consisting of Pete Alonso at first, Robinson Cano at second, Jeff McNeil at third and Amed Rosario at shortstop, it’s simple to see why Davis might be pegged for the outfield.
However when Cano wants day without work, which might possible be pretty often in an abbreviated season, McNeil might transfer to second and Davis to 3rd.
As for left discipline, Davis might compete for time with Dom Smith, who's seen as a barely higher defender.
The opposite situation is the well being of Yoenis Cespedes, who missed over a 12 months rehabbing from surgical procedure on each heels and a number of ankle fractures sustained throughout an encounter with a wild boar on his ranch.
There was uncertainty about Cespedes’ readiness for the beginning of the season previous to the league shutting down. The added day without work may gain advantage the veteran slugger, however till he proves he’s in a position to carry out, there shall be questions.
“It’s the identical state of affairs as final 12 months, the place was I going to suit and the whole lot, however it’s an excellent factor to have a lot depth on the crew,” Davis stated throughout the spring. “If something goes south or Cespedes comes again or no matter, then I’m again to no matter helps the crew out, I suppose. There’s nothing a lot I can management.”
Davis missed two weeks in spring coaching after jamming his left shoulder in February, however returned and reported no issues.
As soon as he was again, he additionally moved to proper discipline after Michael Conforto went down with an indirect harm which will have impacted his availability for Opening Day if the schedule hadn’t been altered.
However Davis’ offense a 12 months in the past has pressured the Mets to determine learn how to get him into the lineup often, even when it’s not for a complete sport.
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“I don’t know that you simply’re ever going to really feel comfy with him on the market [in left field] late in large video games, however you additionally don’t wish to lose that weapon in your lineup,’’ one NL scout stated of Davis, who appeared in simply 31 video games within the outfield within the minors earlier than taking part in in only a handful of video games there in Houston earlier than becoming a member of the Mets.
“He nonetheless hasn’t performed there a lot, so he’s not a misplaced trigger within the outfield,’’ the scout stated.
After all, to make the dearth of protection worthwhile, Davis additionally has to point out that 2019 was no fluke offensively.
He entered final season with simply 181 main league plate appearances, however hit properly towards each righties and lefties with the Mets and carried out properly at Citi Area. Davis’ manufacturing improved because the season went on. Solely McNeil had the next on-base share than Davis’ .369.
After developing as a 3rd baseman within the Houston group, the place Davis was blocked by Alex Bregman, the 27-year-old has made essentially the most of his time with the Mets — however he nonetheless doesn’t have a full-time house.
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