The Yankees and free agent first baseman Ike Davis have agreed to a major league contract, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports (Twitter link). The lefty-swinging Davis will soon join the Yankees and team with right-handed hitter Rob Refsnyder to form a platoon at first, tweets Heyman.
Davis’ agreement with the Yankees means he’s returning to New York, where he began his career with the Mets and where his father, Ron, pitched for the Bombers from 1978-81. The Rangers released the 29-year-old from his minor league deal earlier today and he became an obvious fit for the Yankees, who have dealt with major injury issues at first base going back to Greg Bird‘s offseason shoulder surgery. The team has also lost starter Mark Teixeira and a pair of reserves – Chris Parmelee and Dustin Ackley – to the disabled list in recent weeks, and will now hope to draw production from Davis. The Yankees courted Davis over the winter before he elected to sign with the Rangers, eventually leading New York to bring back veteran Nick Swisher on a minor league deal. Swisher hasn’t fared well at the Triple-A level this year, though, which is why the Yankees are turning to Davis.
In 2,377 major league plate appearances, Davis has slashed .239/.332/.416 with 81 home runs, a career-high 32 of which came in 2012. Most of the damage he’s done has come versus right-handed pitchers, against whom he owns a quality 122 wRC+. The Yankees’ hope is that Davis will be able to take advantage of the short right field porch at their stadium and post respectable production in a platoon with Refsnyder, thereby helping the club stay in the playoff hunt.
Wasn’t doing anyting at Round Rock. Should fit right in.
That was quick
that was quick!
Just like Loney to the Mets. Good short-term emergency fit and it made too much sense. Ike’s no savior, but you can’t expect much when you don’t have much to choose from.
The biggest difference is that Loney is still capable of contributing and is only expected to be a short term fixture. Ike unfortunately lost all his ability after that Arizona dessert illness or whatever. Hopefully that short fence in RF will really pad Ike’s stats and help his confidence
That DESERT illness–is that the same thing that felled Bronson Arroyo a few years ago when he was with the Reds ?
I think he got serious mono not valley fever
Anything at the plate is a bonus. Having a true first baseman defensively was my concern. Davis should fit the bill.
Never know he might do well with the short porch in right
The enthusiasm for this signing overwhelms me.
What Scouting Reports Do You Have On Ike Davis?
Ike Davis is not the answer.
Maybe the Yankees thought they were signing Ike Turner?
No Don’t Be Silly.