In Ike Davis’ first game, his hitting outshone his fielding, and that’s fine for an offense-starved team. But it’s great to know in the long run that Davis, unlike all too many of Omar Minaya’s acquisition, is a good fielder.
The Mets should be well aware of the value of having a first baseman that knows how to field his position, what with Keith Hernandez in the booth and Mark Teixeira across town. Instead, Omar Minaya signed Mike Jacobs, who could not hit or field. Jacobs platooned with Fernando Tatis, who is no Gold Glove. When Frank Catalanotto filled in at first Sunday night, the announcers hastened to remind us that first base was not his primary condition. Alex Cora, who had hardly every played first, ended up there briefly during Saturday night’s marathon, even making a great play.
All of these players were filling in for starting first baseman Daniel Murphy, who isn’t really a first baseman and is still learning the position. Murphy looked good at times last year, but it didn’t hurt that expectations were so low after his outfield butchery.
Even if Davis slumps at the plate, if he can bring some defense to the Mets, that should be enough to keep him in the lineup when Daniel Murphy is ready to return.
Don’t tell Jerry Manuel, but Davis can even pitch. He was a two-way player at Arizona State and hit 94 on the radar gun.
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