Coming into last nights game agaisnt the Marlins, Davis was hitting just 136. with 3 home runs and 7 RBI. After Monday’s doubleheader, Davis said that he feels better at the plate and felt he had some good swings. So far this season, Davis had already struck out 20 times.
In the opener agaisnt Miami Tuesday night, it wasn’t any better for Ike who like in previous games just looks over-matched at the plate and way too out in front on breaking balls. SNY broadcaster and former Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez, talked about Davis’ stuggles:
“Ike just needs to relax up there, it looks as if sometimes he’s out of the at-bat before it even starts and that greatly contributes to why he is always in a 0-2 hole.”
Against Josh Johnson is never a picnic and in two at-bats Ike went 0 for 2 and was was removed for a pinch hitter in the 7th against the lefty Randy Choate.
It was a surprising move by Terry Collins considering that Turner hasnt supplied much offense when he has played this year either. But it paid off as Turner walked in a inning that saw the Mets score their first run of the night.
“With Ike’s struggles, especially against lefties, I just felt Turner at that time was the better option.” Collins said after the game to the media.
From Ike’s demeanor on the field and off, you can see he is frustrated and maybe a little mentally drained. He just hasn’t looked like the same Ike Davis that we saw in his rookie season in 2010 and for 36 games last year before the injury.
Yesterday, the Braves sent 2011 All Star pitcher Jair Jurrjens to the minor leagues. I’m not saying its time to send down Ike, but if he continues to slump as badly as he has the Mets may have no choice.
The bottom line is the Mets need more production from the middle of the lineup – especially now with Jason Bay down with a rib injury.
It should be interesting to see how Davis’ responds to being pinch hit for at a crutial time in the game, but if that doesn’t serve as a wake-up call, then the alternative surely will..
