Khris Davis Wants To Earn Starting Job

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Ryan Braun has agreed to move to right field in light of the Milwaukee Brewers trading Norichika Aoki, Khris Davis still doesn’t view himself as the starter in left field.

Davis says he wants to earn the job in spring training.

“Spring training is going to be a real competitive atmosphere,” he said in a phone interview with Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  “(The starting job) is not mine. I definitely want to earn it.”

Whether or not Davis performs well in spring training, odds are that he will be out in left field on Opening Day. However, it’s nice to know he isn’t taking anything for granted.

Outfielders Caleb Gindl and Logan Schafer are still very much in the picture but it’s clear the Brewers favor Davis. He has considerably more power which in turn, will help drive in runs.

“I think going in and competing for a job is what I want to do. It’s an amazing feeling that they like me like that, you know?”

The Brewers are high on Davis because he is coming off a rather surprising year in 2013. The soon-to-be 26 year old hit .276 with 11 home runs in only 136 at-bats. While his defense is still a work in progress, the Brewers hope his bat gives the lineup a much needed shot in the arm.

Production from Davis is key in 2014. With Braun returning from suspension and Aramis Ramirez coming off a season plagued by knee injuries, the Brewers will be looking at Davis to take on some of the offensive burden, especially with first base in flux.