Impact Analysis: Chris Davis, Texas Rangers

January 19, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Eric McClung
Edited by Tim Heaney

Texas Rangers first baseman Chris Davis has an unassuming name, but fantasy owners should have it penciled in somewhere on their draft day cheat sheets.

Davis offers big upside, a power bat and positional eligibility at both corner infield spots. He will hit in the middle of a very good lineup that's stationed in one of the best hitters' parks in baseball.

Breaking out

Selected by the Rangers in the 2006 MLB Entry Draft, Davis blasted his way through the minor leagues, earning him a fast track to the big leagues last year. During his ascension through the Rangers' farm system, Davis averaged 24.67 home runs and 77.67 RBIs a year. Davis was called up to the big leagues in late June to become the everyday first baseman; he did not disappoint. In 295 at-bats, Davis hit .285, belted 17 home runs and drove in 55 runs.

Getting to call Rangers Ballpark in Arlington home has its perks; it is among the friendliest grounds for hitters. Annually, Rangers Ballpark appears near the top of home runs allowed and runs scored. The Rangers lineup is intriguing, filled with youth and scoring ability.

Davis will be 23 years old on opening day and projects to hit somewhere in the middle, probably sixth, but he could climb higher. Setting the table in front of him will be several All-Stars: second baseman Ian Kinsler (hernia), who is coming off sports hernia surgery, third baseman Michael Young and centerfielder Josh Hamilton. Young recently agreed to shift from shortstop to the hot corner to give Texas' top prospect, 20-year-old shortstop Elvis Andrus, a chance at winning the starting job. "Crush" Davis should have RBI opportunities aplenty.

Scouting report

At the plate, there is no fooling around with Davis's approach - it's to hit the ball a long way. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Davis is a big boy with light-tower power. Driven by a sharp turn of the hips and by dropping his hands almost to his waist during the pitch, his swing is a short but violent uppercut that yields a lot of big fly balls.

Last season in the bigs, 23 of Davis' 84 hits went for doubles, a great sign that his muscle is very much real. He has the potential to post an impressive isolated power figure, a statistic that measures just extra-base hits.

Unfortunately, his swings-and-misses are also real. Like many other mashers, his front side can open up too much, which has made him susceptible to striking out frequently. With Texas last year, Davis posted a contract rate of 68.1 percent, on par with the biggest whiffers in baseball. Finally, he does not look for free passes. Davis walked only 6.3 percent of the time while striking out at 29.8 percent.

Fantasy baseball outlook

Davis is the definition power upside in the middle rounds, but don't expect numbers outside of the power categories. Davis will have eligibility at first and third base - a large boost to fantasy owners who value roster flexibility. The raw skills are certainly there, but be careful and do not allow excitement to overvalue Davis. He's a low-end first baseman but is more valuable as a third baseman.

If your league is configured for it and he falls into your lap in the middle rounds, Davis would make an excellent selection as a corner infielder, given the lack of reliable options. The largest drawbacks attached to him are the low contact rates and his youth; have a backup plan in mind if you draft him.

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Eric McClung

Eric McClung is a FSWA member and has been a KFFL contributor in addition to fantasy NASCAR consultant since 2008. His work has been published on several prominent NASCAR websites, and McClung is one of KFFL's featured fantasy NASCAR experts.

He can be followed on Twitter @ericmcclung

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