Happy Birthday, Ike Davis

2013 could be another 30 homer season for Ike.

I can remember the panic that surrounded Ike Davis last year in April. WIth an abysmal batting average and only 4 home runs for the month he was begin dropped in leagues left and right. While 4 homers in April seemed drop worthy, if you multiply that over a 6 month season you get 24 homers, which was just about what was being projected for him last year.

Early season panic, and all that, because he ended the season with 32 dingers (although the average stayed abysmal).

Ike turns 26 today. He was born in Edina, MN, my current residence and residence of his father, Ron Davis, when he pitched for the Minnesota Twins. Isaac “Ike” Davis went to high school in Arizona where he brought home 3 state titles as their ace pitcher. But he was drafted 18th overall by the Mets in 2008 as a power bat.

He was a trendy rookie in 2010, reaching the Major Leagues having only played 65 games above Single-A ball. He didn’t disappoint, hitting 19 homers while setting the Mets rookie record with 230 total bases.

He was a rocket out of the gate in 2011, only to sustain an ankle injury on May 9th in a collision with David Wright. But a .302 AVG, 7 HR and 25 RBI in 139 ABs had everyone salivating for 2012, but disappointed when he gave his best Rob Deer impersonation.

So what’s in store for 2013?

Ike will never compete for a batting title but 2012’s miserable average was a unfortunate fluke (and not the flatfish variety). There is nothing in his make-up or approach that says he’s anything other than a solid .270 hitter, with a shot at .285. The computer hedged a bit when it spit out his projection at .261 and I think there’s reason for optimism there.

No one questions his power and it’s reasonable to hope for a repeat of 2012’s 32 bombs. And while he won’t tear it up in the runs department (offense the Mets have none), he makes up with that with strong RBI potential.

He’ll go anywhere from 85-120 in your draft and I’d be comfortable taking him at the leading edge of that range. I think he has a season in him that’s reminiscent of Mark Teixeira in his heyday, although that might wait until 2014.

Happy Birthday Ike. May your year be injury free and filled with taters.