Shortly after designating first baseman Mike Jacobs for assignment, the Mets made a move that fans had been hoping for: calling up prospect Ike Davis. But is it too early for Davis?
Davis answered all critics in his first MLB game Monday Night vs. the Cubs. Singling in his first at bat, Davis also had an RBI single in the 7th inning. So he's batting .500 after one game, and yes that is a good game, but already Mets fans are calling for him to become the starting first baseman for the rest of the season.
It seems as if fans are putting too much stock into Spring Training, where Davis hit .480. Already fans have forgot about Daniel Murphy, the former Met prospect who converted from the outfield to help fill the void at first base. Murphy batted .266 in 508 at-bats last season. He also had 12 home runs, a stat the Mets severely lacked last season. Murphy is currently on the DL, and until Murphy returns, Davis is the guy at first.
Still, the calling up of Ike Davis seems as a sign of panic for the Mets. Yes Davis was batting .364 in the Minors in this young season, but most MLB teams prefer to develop their young players for much longer than 10 games. See the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg. The #1 overall pick is in the minors, despite his team being in serious need of pitching and excitement in the ballpark. However, others like the Braves and Jason Heyward, have chosen to let the future star develop in the Majors, placing Heyward on the opening day roster.
Still, to this Met fan, I'm worried about this turning into another Fernando Martinez disaster. When injuries popped up in the 2009 season, Martinez, a Mets outfield prospect was rushed to the Bigs, only to show he was clearly over his head. In 29 games, Martinez batted .176 with one homer. Hopefully, for Mets fans, Davis isn't another Fernando Martinez.
The difference between Davis and the previously mentioned Heyward and Strausburg, is the media market he is playing in. At first sign of struggle, the New York media will jump all over Davis and immediately declare him a bust. Hopefully he has the intestinal fortitude to withstand this kind of media, one that Heyward and Strausburg will not face, even though they are already being declared locks for the Hall of Fame.
So where does this leave the Mets? Do they stick with Davis the remainder of the season? Do the wait until Murphy returns? Carlos Delgado?? I think the Mets have made the correct decision with Ike Davis, I'm just worried the Mets will do what the Mets do best, and have it result in another player with potential who under performs. Ike- there is a tremendous amount of pressure on you- You better live up to it!
Like they said in the 50s - we want Ike. I've seen his first three games in the majors and the kid look slike he belongs - Martinez did not in 2009. I'm sure having a father who played in the big leagues helps but it just might be this kid is mature enough to handle it. There nobody else and it snot like Murphy was great. In summary Davis = Gehrig; Marphy = Pipp.
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