| | Ben Davis has had "star" written all over him since being selected with the second pick overall in the 1995 draft. But his struggle to establish himself epitomizes how rough the water has been for the San Diego Padres since their unexpected trip to the World Series in 1998.
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PADRES LOWDOWN |
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|  | | The Padres hope Ben Davis has grown up. |
1999: 74-88
Runs: 710, 15th in NL
Allowed: 781, 6th in NL
Key facts
Tony Gwynn produced an .858 OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) last season. That ranked just 13th among right fielders.
Padres led NL in steals but finished next-to-last in home runs -- and next-to-last in runs scored.
Padres had huge home/road split in 1999: 46-35 at home (3.71 ERA); 28-53 on the road (5.29 ERA).
Tim Kurkjian's scenarios
Best-case: Newcomers Ryan Klesko and Bret Boone combine for 50 homers, giving the Pads much needed power.
Worst-case: They fall out of contention early, and deal Sterling Hitchcock.
Prediction: 5th in NL West
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Davis, 23, was still in the Southern League when the Padres upset Houston and Atlanta in the National League playoffs. He got a chance to play after veteran catcher Carlos Hernandez blew out his Achilles tendon last spring, and his rookie season was anything but dull.
After a great start, both Davis' hitting and his attitude went so sour that a remedial trip to the minor leagues is a distinct possibility for the switch-hitting catcher with Gold Glove tools. He spent the winter hearing whispers about a trade that never materialized, then went to spring training needing to repair a tarnished image.
"Trust me, when all is said and done, he'll be a hell of a player," manager Bruce Bochy said. "Ben's going to be a front-line catcher."
However, barring a trade the Padres appear set with Hernandez, Wiki Gonzalez and spring sensation John Roskos. Davis might start the season in Triple-A, but his development remains a priority for a franchise that has parted ways with veterans Kevin Brown, Andy Ashby, Ken Caminiti, Wally Joyner and Quilvio Veras since the '98 World Series.
Davis has hit at every stop in the minors, including Las Vegas. He had driven in 44 runs in 58 games before being promoted to San Diego last June. GM Kevin Towers and Bochy were delighted when he hit .325 in his first 34 games with the Padres but now wonder if it didn't stunt his growth.
When Davis slumped at the plate, he exasperated the situation by acting like a spoiled brat in the clubhouse. He was stunned when Gonzalez, an unsung prospect pitchers love to work with, began to get the majority of playing time.
His pouting came to a head one day when he refused to go to the bullpen to catch an off-day workout. Davis said that he didn't do bullpens.
It confirmed the worst fears of his teammates. Future Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn later called Davis aside for a scolding.
"I said, 'Man, what the hell is your job?' " Gwynn told the San Diego Union-Tribune. " 'Do you realize what you're doing?' ... I told him, 'Man, you've got more ability behind the plate than we've ever, ever had, and you're only 22.' And I said if you don't take advantage of the situation, you're not going to have anyone to blame this year."
Stay tuned.
-- Phil Rogers
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Lineup comments and grades from ESPN The Magazine
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Player
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Comment
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Grade
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Al Martin, LF
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With new open stance, sees ball longer, drives it to opposite field
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B
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C. Gomez, SS
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Slow but steady. Exact opposite of athletic/erratic Damian Jackson
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C
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T. Gwynn, RF
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Hit by pitch just 23 times in 18 seasons
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A
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R. Klesko, 1B
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Don't try to be what you're not. Don't touch OF glove. Do turn on ball and let it rip
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B
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Phil Nevin, 3B
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Led team with 85 RBI, fewest by Pads leader in full season since 1988
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C
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B. Boone, 2B
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Soon will pass Ted Williams on all-time K list -- in 3,000 fewer ABs
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C
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R. Rivera, CF
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His .195 BA was second-lowest (minimum: 411 ABs) in last 35 years
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D
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C. Hernandez, C
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Back from Achilles surgery. Trade to clear way for Ben Davis and Wiki Gonzalez?
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C
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Pitching comments and grades from ESPN The Magazine
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Pitcher
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Comment
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Grade
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S. Hitchcock, SP
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That their No.1 is on market is pretty good hint the Padres are thinking 2002
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B
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W. Williams, SP
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Gritty Texan, hard to run on. But 100 HRs allowed last three years is scary
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C
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M. Clement, SP
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Heavy, Kevin Brown-like sinker. High HBP rate makes hitters edgy. Big upside
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C
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B. Meadows, SP
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How will he fare without pitching mentor Alex Fernandez at his side?
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D
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S. Montgomery, RP
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May be all they have to show this season from Andy Ashby deal
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B
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T. Hoffman, RP
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Opposing batters hit .197. Just 48 hits, 15 BB in 67 IP. Guess he still has it
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A
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