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Ike Davis played in the most games of his Major League career last season, and apparently he's ready to get back out there and start playing again already. The New York Mets' first baseman is set to head to Port St. Lucie, Florida by the middle of this upcoming week. He's looking to get in some additional work to help prepare himself for the upcoming season.
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York points out that Davis coming to camp next week is puts him far ahead of the required reporting date.
#Mets say Ike Davis will arrive at spring training in Port St. Lucie on Wednesday--well ahead of Feb. 16 report date for position players.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 2, 2013
Reporting early is not too uncommon for players. In fact, many teams will hold special sessions for their up and coming players. These players are expected to report early and get additional time in while learning the ins and outs of what it takes to be a successful Major Leaguer. This is not the case with Davis. Davis is simply reporting early because he wants to.
Related: Mets sign Marlon Byrd.
Last season, Davis played in 156 games. His previous high total came in his rookie year, 2010, when he played in 147 games. Injuries limited Davis to just 36 games in 2011. However, last year Davis showed flashes of what the Mets hope they truly have in the young slugger.
Davis hit a disappointing .227 and he had a low on-base percentage of .307. However, he managed to club 32 home runs last year. If Davis can raise his average closer to the the levels he showed possible in his rookie campaign (.264) or in his shortened 2011 season (.302), the Mets will have a real star on their hands. As it stands now, Davis still needs some development. So, perhaps the early reporting to spring training will be good for him.
Davis was the 18th overall pick of the 2008 draft by the Mets. He spent two years in the minors before being called up in 2010. The club was, and continues to be, high on the 25-year old. He has the makings of being a cornerstone-type player for New York. It will take work, but if New York sticks with him, Davis could reward them for the foreseeable future.
