Baltimore Orioles: Battle of Chris Davis versus Dan Duquette

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) stands on the field during a post game interview after the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The latest version of the Chris Davis/Scott Boras vs. Dan Duquette/Peter Angelos/Baltimore Orioles shows just how much the team wants Davis back in Baltimore.

I don’t think this is solely about Davis’ ability to hit home runs and play first base. Davis is very popular in Baltimore, and very popular with owner Peter Angelos.

So much that Angelos himself is involved in some of the contract negotiations with Davis, something he has not done since Duquette was hired.

I want to look at exactly who has the upper hand in this contract negotiation. So, let’s examine numerous topics with a ranking favoring Davis or the Orioles, and why.

• Davis’ career – Orioles

Before coming to Baltimore, Chris Davis was a player who was on the shuttle between the majors and AAA with Texas. Sure, he showed glimpses of success, but he needed that change in scenery.  He also needed a manager like Buck Showalter. Davis has only been a major league baseball regular in a Baltimore Orioles’ jersey. Maybe that is part of the reason why other teams are not as high on Davis.

• Davis as a teammate – Davis

Chris Davis is a very popular player. Several Orioles, including Adam Jones, Darren O’Day, Matt Wieters and others have talked openly about wanting Davis back in Baltimore. O’Day and Jones have even actively recruited the big first baseman to try to get him back to Baltimore. Davis is the one who has the upper hand in his role on a team.

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• Davis’ contract negotiations – Orioles

The biggest topic of course is who holds the upper hand in contract negotiations. And, in all honesty, I think it is the Orioles. Sure, the fact that Peter Angelos is involved makes it clear that the Orioles want Davis back. The team has made it clear he is their topic target. So, it appears Davis has the upper hand.

But, there are very few talks about other teams interested. Sure, you can mention the Angels, the Red Sox, etc. But no one has talked to Davis. While there are rumors of who wants Scott Kazmir, or Yovani Gallardo, no one is really talking about who wants Chris Davis.

Scott Boras doesn’t have another offer to compare to that of the Orioles. For that reason, it isn’t Davis and his agent who hold the upper hand. It is the Baltimore Orioles.

At this point, Orioles fans seem to be very split on what to do with Davis. Should the team increase their deal and try to get him? Should they let the pursuit of Davis end, and look at other options. No one exactly knows at this point, and no one can really agree either.

Next: Offseason worry in common in Baltimore

There are only three days left for the Orioles to make a move before baseball takes a break for Christmas.

Do you think Davis will be under the team’s Christmas tree?