Reviewing the Brew Round-table: Khris Davis’ Role

How will Khris Davis do in 2014? Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

With the Milwaukee Brewers trading Norichika Aoki, this opens up the door of opportunity for the young Khris Davis. This past season, Davis burst onto the Brewers’ scene really in July and just kind of never looked back.

That said, here was the question for the staffers this week, “With Aoki traded, how do you feel about Khris Davis as an every day starter?”

Lou Olsen:

“I may be the only one, but I love Khris Davis. I think he gives the line-up an extra home run threat to keep pitchers off balance. His glove is serviceable, but his arm is below average. He could be a rising star on this team. My only serious concern is with him staying healthy. The more he plays the better he will get.”

Justin Schultz:

“Even before he exploded in Spring Training last year, I was high on Khris Davis. Did I think he was better than Norchika Aoki? No. And I still don’t. But that is beside the point. The trade made sense for both sides. The big issue with Davis is his arm. He has one of the worst throwing arms in major league baseball and defensively, the Brewers are going to take a hit because of it. On the offensive side, his power should continue but I see him being nothing better than a .250 hitter.”

Ryan Connor:

“This is something that the Brewers really needed to do. Even though Aoki was a solid and cheap player, the Brewers have to see what Khris Davis can do with a season full of at bats. What we saw from Davis last year was encouraging, but there are still plenty of doubters within the scouting community, so I keep my expectations for Davis tempered. For what it’s worth, Ben Badler of Baseball America has Davis as a sleeper for this next season.”

David Grant:

“I feel okay with Kris Davis as an everyday player. He had a wonderful second half of 2013 and (at this point) has a higher ceiling than Aoki. He deserves a shot. It makes me nervous heading into Spring Training without a proven fourth outfielder, but as Brewer fans we are used to this.”

Benjamin Orr:

“I’m in the minority when I say I’m uncomfortable with this situation, at least for now. I don’t know that Davis has enough exposure in the MLB to have a starting role, which is why trading Aoki now instead of say June or July of next season, was foolish. The Brewers lose not only a starter in the outfield, but their lead-off hitter. I don’t know though, I hope Davis does well, but time will tell.”

Well that’s what we had to say regarding Davis, how about you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.