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Chili Davis Back in Camp and Excited for 2021

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Chili Davis Back in Camp and Excited for 2021

Due to underlying health concerns, Chili Davis worked from home during the COVID-shortened season last year. The New York Mets hitting coach is now back in-person, as he met with the media for the first time on Wednesday.

Davis, 61, is entering his third season as the Mets hitting coach, with 2019 being his first year holding the position. During his first campaign with New York, Davis oversaw outstanding offensive campaigns from All-Stars Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, along with a breakout performance from J.D. Davis, amongst others.

In his media session Wednesday, Chili was quick to note confidence in his team’s offensive capabilities, particularly referencing a return to 2019 form from both Alonso and Davis.

“I’m seeing Petey work in a similar manner to how he did in 2019 before he made the team,” he said of Alonso.

These young players will certainly benefit from a more hands-on approach from their hitting coach this season, as some things cannot be said over Zoom. Davis was crucial to setting up game plans as he would frequently speak with his hitters before and after games last season, but making in-game adjustments was impossible from home.

During his own press conference on Wednesday, J.D. Davis spoke about how important it is for him to have the elder Davis in his ear during games to note if there is something off with his swing or approach.

Chili said that at times, all he has to do is remind batters of their own game plans if they are straying away from it in-game. Davis says the adjustments that often have to be made are simply noticing when a batter has gotten away from all the preparation that takes place prior to the first pitch.

A couple of hitters who do not need quite as much of a hands-on approach are team leaders, Michael Conforto and Francisco Lindor. Conforto has blossomed into a finished product before Davis’ eyes and he believes the best is yet to come for the 27-year-old. He described the young slugger as “A classy kid,” and one that is now capable of coaching himself at this stage of his career. Meanwhile, Lindor’s effect on the Mets has been evident through every person who is asked about the superstar shortstop.

Davis was David Ortiz‘s hitting coach during the last two seasons of his career back in 2015 and 2016. After watching Lindor in camp for a few days, Davis compares the two-time Silver Slugger’s approach to that of Ortiz, who won seven Silver Slugger awards during his illustrious career. Davis said it is just great to watch a veteran attack their work, seeing Lindor’s focus to get better every day.

When asked about his lineup this season, Davis said, “We’re a pretty well-rounded lineup top to bottom.”

He mentioned that Lindor and Jeff McNeil will likely be the two batters atop the lineup, with guys like Alonso and Conforto slotting in behind them as run-producers.

Kevin Pillar told Davis he is more than happy to be part of a such a loaded team, where he can be asked to focus on a more team-orientated approach to hitting, rather than trying to just focus on personal numbers. Davis told the media the only stat that matters for the Mets is making the playoffs, along with making a deep run in the playoffs.

Seeing the respect Davis garners from his players and fellow coaches alike, the Mets’ offense is surely to benefit from having a more hands-on approach this season. Davis has already received the COVID vaccine and is expecting to receive the second booster shot at some point during camp.

This allows him to approach his work with a renewed peace of mind, as he looks to help the Mets accomplish their lofty goals in 2021.

Chili Davis Back in Camp and Excited for 2021

The post Chili Davis Back in Camp and Excited for 2021 first appeared on Metsmerized Online.

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