We Like Ike!

IKE DAVIS - IF
2011 stats - .302 BA, 7 HR, 25 RBI, .925 OPS

It's a sad story when thought about, but the 2011 season for both Ike Davis and the Mets were tied together from the start.

Going into 2011, the Mets did not have as many questions marks as they do this season.  There was a small sense of optimism but still enough uncertainty to go around.  Davis performed very well as a rookie in 2010 and was being counted on to be a huge part of the offensive in his sophomore season.

The Mets started the season playing good baseball.  They weren't dominating anyone or making a statement that there would be meaningful September games, but they were competitive, had a great attitude, and fun (for the most part) to watch.  Davis was a step above the team though.  He was crushing the ball over the first six weeks of the season.  Hitting over .300 and in the Top-5 in both home runs and RBIs early on, many Mets fans began to envision the power days of Strawberry and Piazza.  But then that fateful afternoon came where Davis and David Wright collided during a routine pop up and the season was essentially over.

The initial injury was only an ankle sprain.  But it become more than that.  It became a five and a half month ankle sprain.  The doctors did not know what was wrong.  Was it more than a sprain?  Was it broken?  Were ligaments and tendons damaged?  Would surgery be required?  How about just rest and rehab?  As this was going on in the doctor's office, the Mets would lose control of their season.  More injuries began to snowball, specifically to Wright and Jose Reyes.  The decent pitching that was there in the first half of the season fell apart and tired out in the second half.  The carousel of infielders had trouble with a constant change of personnel at first. And we know how the rest played out.

Davis showed up early to Port St Lucie to get a jump start on his 2012 Spring Training.  He has be quoted many, many times as saying his ankle is 100% and there is no need for concern.  He even went as far a week ago to refuse to speak to any reporters who made further inquiries about his ankle.

Let's not beat around the bush or try to sugarcoat the obvious here.  The Mets need Ike Davis to have the type of season he was on pace for last season.  Manager Terry Collins already has Davis pegged for the cleanup spot and he needs to put up cleanup type numbers.  The average doesn't need to be as high as it was last season, but should stick around the .275 clip.  Davis though does need to approach 30 home runs and 115 RBI.  He needs to instill a fear in opposing pitchers which will offer some protection to Wright, who will be batting around of him in the everyday lineup.  Davis needs to be this generation's Strawberry and Piazza for this suffering Mets fanbase.

Also, lets not forget the simple thing with a power hitter.  Defense.  Davis has a fantastic glove and range over at first base.  This will help calm down a potentially shaky throwing infield and provide assistance to Daniel Murphy at second base.

This is a lot of pressure on a kid who has played in only 183 career games, but that's where we are now as Mets fans.  Owner Jeff Wilpon today stated a reason for the smaller payroll is because the organization has young, talented players who have to shine and produce.  I think he may have been specifically speaking about Ike Davis