It’s Time To Shine Russ Davis Knows Pressure Is On To Put Up Good Numbers
At one end of the Kingdome locker room, Ken Griffey Jr. is sitting in a recliner, hat backwards, watching Texas pitcher Roger Pavlik walk four straight Toronto batters.
“Get your hacks in,” a grinning Griffey shouts at the television. “Or get your non-hacks in!”
Roughly 15 cubicles away, Russ Davis is parked in a director’s chair in front of a well-organized dressing stall. His stern game-face permits no chatter.
They are at opposite ends of the baseball pendulum. Griffey, 27, has more than 4,000 major-league at-bats and a reservation in the Hall of Fame. Davis, two months older than Griffey, has about 350 big-league at-bats and has made minor-league stops with Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Oneonta, Prince William, Albany and Columbus.
The majority of major leaguers are like Davis, grinders trying to earn everyday jobs. In Davis’ case, he wants to nail down third base in Seattle.
Thus far, he’s done so.
“In general, we’re pleased,” manager Lou Piniella said before a recent home game. “He’s played very well defensively. His hitting has been inconsistent, some good days and not-so-good days. Not playing much the last couple years has hurt him some, but for the most part, we’re going to let him play as often as we can.”
Davis was stuck behind Wade Boggs in New York before coming to Seattle in the Tino Martinez/Sterling Hitchcock trade. In his first Mariners season, he was batting .234 when he broke his leg pursuing a popup in Kansas City last June.
Davis was one of Seattle’s few question marks coming into this season, along with Randy Johnson’s back, Lee Tinsley in left field and the bullpen.
Davis’ .338 batting average - boosted by Wednesday’s 4 for 4 - and slick fielding have alleviated some worries, but not all. Mike Blowers’ knee injury is nearly rehabilitated and Mariners fans have warm memories of his 96-RBI, 1995-season. For now, Blowers will platoon at first.
“I don’t think it’s a make-or-break year for Russ. Remember there’s expansion coming up,” Piniella said. “But I will say this: It’s time for him to put up some good numbers.”
In Piniella’s mind, that equates to 15 or more homers, 65-70 RBIs and hitting above .250. Davis is on course, though his four RBIs on Wednesday gave him just nine on the season, despite three home runs.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m babying him, but you gotta remember two years ago he was only facing lefties (pitchers) in New York,” hitting instructor Lee Elia said. “Last year, he’s just starting to make some adjustments and he breaks his leg. So now this is truly asking a guy to develop some new techniques at a major-league level.”
Elia is urging Davis to use all fields instead of primarily pulling the ball to left. Actually, Elia urges every Mariner to use every square inch of Kingdome carpet - from Joey Cora to Edgar Martinez.
Davis began making the adjustments in his mind when his body was unable.
“It was hard thinking about what they were trying to teach me and doing it at the same time,” he said. “Over the winter, it sank in what they were trying to do.”
“He was a top-hand hitter,” Elia said. “Once he realizes he can hit a ball in the right-field seats and then turn on the inside pitch - his normal swing - he’ll hurt some people.”
To emphasize the importance of using the entire field, Elia took Davis to a driving range to whack golf balls last May.
Davis is making progress.
“A lot of my swing is still there,” he said. “When I’m going up the middle and driving the ball a little, even if I’m making outs, I’m still making good passes and that’s all any good hitter wants to do.”
Davis has never hit .300, even in the minors. He probably doesn’t have to do that now to keep the third-base job, which, other than Martinez and Jim Presley, has had few mainstays. The Mariners’ loaded lineup can carry Davis if he hits .270 or so.
“I didn’t get the chance in New York that I’m finally getting here,” Davis said. “You can’t ask for much more. With all the stars we have, it takes a lot of pressure off me. If I go out and play good defense and do my little part offensively …”
Good health willing, he’ll be able to take advantage. Davis has had only one healthy season in the last four. That was spent as a ‘95 Yankee watching Boggs play.
“I’m 27, people out there know I can play and the Mariners know I can play. It’s just a matter of staying healthy and playing every day. Given the opportunity, I’ll put up some good numbers.”
With that, Davis rose from his chair and put on a jersey top. He had to prepare for the game. And he knew his name was on the lineup card.
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