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Baltimore Orioles: Chris Davis and his stellar scooping ability

By Nate Wardle

Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) stretches to make the out against Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar (11) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) stretches to make the out against Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar (11) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles fans believe that Chris Davis is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball, and when it comes to scooping ability, very few are as good as Davis.

Baltimore Orioles‘ Chris Davis continued to show why he’s one of the best defensive first basemen in the league this weekend against the New York Yankees, with two scoops in the ninth inning alone.

One was to help out Zach Britton, who had knocked down a comebacker and threw a sinker to first. The other was to help Manny Machado on the last out, as his throw took a late hop into Davis’ glove.

So, I went looking to see if there is a statistic that quantifies scoops for the first baseman.

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Of course, there is.

Since 2013, when Davis moved to first base regularly for the Orioles, he has consistently been one of the best at scooping balls:

2013: 52 scoops, 4th most in MLB
2014: 34 scoops, 8th most in MLB
2015: 18 scoops (110 games), 19th in MLB
2016: 39 scoops, Most in MLB
2017: 4 scoops through 3 games, Most in MLB

If you look at the names surrounding Davis, a lot of them are in the National League. The only one who is on the same level as Davis in the American League is Eric Hosmer, who finished ahead of him in 2013 and 2014 and second to Davis in 2016.

Hosmer is also a perennial Gold Glove finalist, having won it in 2013, 2014 and 2015. So, it is in some select company.

Now, I’m not sure what exactly quantifies as a scoop. For those who have watched the Orioles, Davis has appeared to pick at least six balls so far.

Several of these have come in high leverage situations, as every game the Orioles have played has been close.

Also, there have been several key plays where the opposition has missed a scoop at first base. It happened to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, and Greg Bird on Friday.

Next: When Wade Miley is activated, who will be optioned?

Oriole fans know that Chris Davis is one of the best at scooping balls and playing defense at the position.

The statistics back it up, as well.

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