2011 TOPPS GYPSY QUEEN IKE DAVIS

Ike Davis

Gather your wits and hold on fast,
Your mind must learn to roam.
Just as the Gypsy Queen must do
You’re gonna hit the road.

On Tuesday’s SNY telecast, the Verizon Text Poll question asked fans if they thought Ike Davis would be back as the 2014 starting first baseman. Much to my surprise, 55% of the respondents said no.

Davis is one of the most polarizing figures on the team. However, management seems to love him and the announcers go out of their way to heap praise on him, much like this two year old card did in including him in the “Future Stars” grouping.

So the fact that a simple majority are ready to move on is a bit of a shock. Perhaps there is some sort of a selection bias at work here. Maybe people are more motivated to pick up the phone and text as a way to voice displeasure. After all, it’s not like the fans can put him on the bench and play Lucas Duda or Josh Satin, instead.

It’s easy to understand why proponents remain bullish with Davis. The power he provided in the second half of 2012 doesn’t grow on trees. However, in my mind, the mistake is equating his top end performance with his likely output.

I used to play tennis with a guy who had a killer serve. When he got his serve in, I would flail at it helplessly and it was essentially a guaranteed ace. The only problem was that he double-faulted twice as often as he rung up aces. Yet he continued to chase aces all of the time, even on second serves, and I ended up winning more matches than I lost against him.

My friend’s issue was that he thought his “A” game was his true talent level.

Davis had a great run in the second half of last year, as he put up a .913 OPS over his final 383 PA. It would be wonderful to have that guy over a full season and for his entire career. Unfortunately, in 1,696 lifetime PA in the majors, Davis has a .769 OPS. That’s not horrible but it’s not anything to get excited about from a first baseman.

The best thing for the Mets is to admit what Davis’ true talent is and move on. It’s probably the best thing for Davis, too. He wouldn’t be the first player to move on from his first organization and find success under a different regime. At this point, I’d rather he be successful elsewhere than be an anchor in Queens.

Sign of the Gypsy Queen
Pack your things and leave
Word of a woman who knows
Take all your gold and you go

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7 comments on “Mets Card of the Week: 2011 Ike Davis

  • steevy

    I’m willing to take the ance he may become a good player elsewhere.However,I think we will be stuck with him again next year.Management seems committed to him.

  • Chris Flanders

    you forgot: Fire Terry Collins!

  • steevy

    I was remiss.Fire Terry Collins!

  • Joe Vito

    Please no more Ike Davis just PLEASE don’t bring him back. Just look at his numbers!

  • Chris F

    Whats not to love about .205/.656 with 8 HR and 29 RBI?

    (Im kidding of course…)

  • Jim OMalley

    Wait! The card is nice.. Gypsy Queen cards are especially handsome. I

  • Jim OMalley

    Ha! Sorry..didn’t finish the sentence. I was going to say that they have these mini’s that are especially nice-looking.

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