Chris Davis: Time to Stand Up to Scott Boras

Jun 30, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) high fives teammates after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

If Chris Davis has any interest is staying with the Baltimore Orioles and being assured of a good long-term contract, he needs to stand up to Scott Boras now.

I certainly claim no inside information, nor do I know the personalities involved in any personal way. I do know people who know the personalities, and we have all read what those who interact with them write about them, and all of this presents a rather consistent perspective.

Here is what is reported in multiple sources to be the situation:

Davis has been offered a contract by the Orioles in the $150 million range over seven years, give or take some time or salary deferment.
The Orioles have never ever given this sort of offer, and it is totally out of character and involves the owner in an unprecedented way.
The Orioles have been extraordinarily clear about their genuine desire to re-sign Davis, and Crush has always spoken positively of his experience in Baltimore and willingness for it to continue.
The Orioles simply cannot wait and wait, thereby missing out on other opportunities. Yes, this could be seen by the Davis/Boras camp as bluster, but it stands quite rationally to be their genuine reality.
It appears quite difficult to identify another club that is going to give such an offer, now or later. Would they not be more identifiable if they existed? Boras is known for getting his clients the best deal by waiting it out, but this situation may actually be unique. Davis might do well to reflect upon Nelson Cruz’ experience two offseasons ago.

Again, not knowing the parties personally beyond the consistent reporting about them and what can be seen in the public eye, the following might also appear to be a part of this situation:

Chris Davis is a mellow personality, as are many ballplayers. I am not sure this always helps him, like when he is called out on a third strike that is nine inches off the plate, but he quietly turns around and walks back to the dugout.

Scott Boras is a Type A, aggressive, dare we say even a bully personality? One could imagine that in a meeting between agent and client, Boras does the talking while Davis listens quietly, nods his head and walks away.

Putting that together, we could imagine Boras wanting to soldier on, Davis internally wanting the deal done for varied reasons, but Davis not standing up and saying, “Enough, I want to sign.”