LAS VEGAS—One of the highlights of each year’s Winter Meetings is the annual scrum with uber-agent Scott Boras. Dozens of reporters and cameras crowd around him, seeking out his thoughts on his key clients and baseball in general.
While many of the questions were about Bryce Harper. Boras did discuss his only current Orioles client, Chris Davis.
Davis, who hit just .168 with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs and 192 strikeouts in 2018, told The Sun at Tuesday’s “Orioles Reach Holiday Party” at Dave & Buster’s in Arundel Mills Mall that he was confident he could bounce back.
“In my own eyes, I feel I’m a big part of this and I know for us to be successful as a team, it starts with me,” Davis said.
“That’s offense, defense, base running, my presence in the clubhouse, leadership on and off the field. I understand that responsibility, and I accept that fully.”
Boras said he also was confident that Davis would bounce back in 2019.
“We’ve had many players who have got great histories, and physically you know they’re well,” Boras said. “We’ve been in discussion with the Orioles, just last night as a matter of fact about advancing this and getting Chris’ abilities on the field. We know he can do it. He’s done it many years, many times, and obviously we’re making great efforts and strides to get him back to being normal.”
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For the first time since hearing Agent Boras speak, I’m hoping he’s correct with his prognosis of Davis.
Sure hope he's close to being right BUT Davis was not only bad in 2018,but 2017 was not much better. Rich quick question. Just saw an article that gave the O's a D for their off season so far( I guess hiring an elite management team doesn't count) and it was based mainly on their failed attempt to sign the Mesa Bros. Do you think if Elias was in place their attempt would have succeeded?
Davis oWAR and OPS in 2017: 0.6 and 0.732; in 2018: -2.5 and 0.539.
Orial, yes because he has the experience in the international market that the Orioles didn't have before.
Do you think playing in Miami was a big factor in the brothers' decisions?
I do, but I think that Elias could have been inventive enough to sign them.
I didn't see the D grade, but I would give them an I for incomplete. Off-season grades are only relevant for contenders and potential contenders anyway. Who can judge a minor-league transaction involving a player still years away from contributing.
I hope Chris Davis returns to productivity but I am skeptical. He's not had a season worthy of any noteriety since 2015.
Agree. They've accomplished a lot but not on the field.
Offseason grades are meaningless, but since the player moves haven’t really begun, incomplete sounds right.
Can the Orioles give Davis an Astro-like performance bump under Elias? Examples:
Max Stassi, Adv A OPS 0.799 with OAK organization, then with Astros organization the next season 0.863 at AA!
Jake Marisnick, OPS 0.478 with MIA, then with Astros the next season 0.669!
Josh Reddick, OPS 0.749 with OAK & LAD, then with Astros the next season 0.847!
Maybe there is hope for dramatic improvement in Davis' play under Elias, I sure hope so.
Impressive improvement for pitchers too, one example:
Ryan Pressly, 2018 with MIN ERA/BAA/WHIP 3.40/0.250/1.36, after being traded to HOU 0.77/0.138/0.60
A new administration sometimes is what a player needs, jkneps.
I doubt it, however, Everybody deserves, a Third Chance!
I wish Chris the best and still have fond memories of the "Crush" years. However, Boras being hopeful of a Davis comeback is similar to me being hopeful I can hit the Powerball.
Except that Boras' money is guaranteed because he already hit the jackpot.
I’m happy Boras thinks Davis can bounce back. Maybe he could arrange a trade for the O’s to unload him. I’m sure all Crush needs is a change to a more friendly ballpark or have a better team around him to return to his former glory. Get to work Scottie, I’m sure Elias would listen to any offer you propose.
Chris Davis isn’t going anywhere, Jersey.
Seriously, who really cares what Scott Boras thinks? He is not a baseball expert and his Job is to build up his clients to get them ridiculous contracts.