Ike Davis and the offense

It was a week of euphoria for Mets fans. From Jordany Valdespin’s home run against Jonathan Papelbon to Ike Davis showing the Davis we love, this was a great week to be a believer in this team.

Every Mets fan was waiting to see what Ike Davis would do this year. Then the news of Valley Fever hit and Mets fans wondered if he would play the whole year through. So we patiently waited for him to do something as he came to the plate every game. Then it happened against the Philadelphia Phillies with a three run homer and a double. We all know what he is capable of. It was exciting to see that the part of him pitchers should fear is still there. Even Sandy Alderson had this to say about Davis, “I’m sure he’s not happy with the first month-plus of the season, and certainly we have expected more. But at the same time, we know it’s in there. We’ve just had to be a little bit patient.”

Mets fans, for at least one night, patience paid off.

“Tonight tells me he is starting to get centered. That is what kind of hitter he is. When he’s swinging good the singles are there, but when you make mistakes that’s when he does his biggest damage.”

–Terry Collins on Davis as reported by Mike Puma, NY Post

“No one believed in us, and I hope they don’t still. We’re just going to continue to play hard. We have a lot of young guys — I mean, basically the whole team — but surrounded with some good veterans. And it’s just exciting. It’s a good atmosphere in the clubhouse.”

Ike Davis as reported by Adam Rubin, ESPNNewYork.com

“I’m confident he’ll come out of this. I’m confident we’re close. It’s just a matter of getting on a roll.” –

Dave Hudgens on Davis as reported by Andrew Keh, NY Times

“I’m a good baseball player. I know I am. If I thought this was the best I could do, then I would tell you that: ‘This is the best I can do.’ And then this wouldn’t be as frustrating.”-

Ike Davis as reported by Andy Martino, NY Daily News

“He comes out of spring training, he’s swinging the bat great, he’s hitting fourth and then all of a sudden, before we play 30 games, he’s not hitting fourth anymore. So he’s got to be upset about the way things have been going.” –

Terry Collins as reported by Andrew Keh, NY Times

“It’s huge to come in here and get a sweep. And everybody is contributing. We never stop fighting.” –

Dillon Gee after the Phillies sweep as reported by the Chicago Tribune

“It was a tremendous job of those guys off the bench and we got the lead. We had a chance with the top of the order coming up…We made some good pitches to get out of it.” –

Terry Collins, SNY Post Game after Marlins loss

“The lighter bat feels better and gives me a tighter swing. It’s all part of the new approach, and I really like the whole thing.”

Andres Torres after hitting a home run, a triple, two RBI and two runs scored Wednesday night as reported by Roger Rubin, NY Daily News

“He is an extremely talented young player. He’s just so athletic. I know that he’ll handle himself great. If he plays the way he’s been playing since he’s been here, and the way he’s handled himself, he’s got a chance to be here for a while.” –

Terry Collins on Jordany Valdespin as reported by Anthony DiComo, Mets.com

“I think Duda will be fine. If he stays up the middle and the other way with his approach he will be in position to hit the hanging mistakes on the inside part of the plate. One of the toughest things for a young hitter is to stay within himself not getting too pull happy. He is going to get the playing time to prove he belongs and this season will be very telling.”

Frank Catalanotto, Metsblog.com