Davis expects Astros discipline to be "handed out between the lines"

SARASOTA, Fla. - As the Orioles' player representative, Chris Davis is ready to offer an opinion on the Astros cheating scandal, the punishments handed down and how opponents might deal with it.

"I think the discipline that the players are going to get this year is going to be very interesting, and I say that meaning that a lot of that is going to be handed out between the lines," Davis said.

"Obviously, what went on was awful for the game, for the fans, just for everybody involved. But it also opened a lot of eyes to things that were going on that shouldn't have been, and I think it's a good reminder that we need to keep the baseball on the field. Keep the baseball players, the baseball personnel on the field, as close to the field as possible.

"All the extra stuff, it seems like it's flooding our game right now. There's a time and place for it, but in the dugout, in the clubhouse, is not the place. So I'm interested to see what happens this week, next week, the next few weeks and kind of how it plays out."

Representatives from the players' union will meet with the Orioles Saturday morning on their annual visit.

Davis isn't making the trip to Bradenton this morning, staying back at the complex for the workout and another lively batting practice session. Ryan Mountcastle is playing first base against the Pirates, one day after chatting with Davis in batting practice and going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a home run.

It was another opportunity for Davis to get a glimpse at the club's future, including Austin Hays in center field, where he made two diving catches and a throw that produced an 8-4-2 putout. Hays also doubled twice.

Davis has thought about the direction that the Orioles are headed, how players like Mountcastle and Hays can lead the way.

"Oh yeah, a lot. And a lot this offseason," Davis said.

"I think that now that some of the guys are getting a little bit more comfortable, have been around a little bit, whether it's as extras last year or even in camp, and now guys that are here in camp, you're starting to see that there's hope," Davis said.

"Ryan and I actually had a chance to talk yesterday during BP and I hadn't really gotten a chance to spend a whole lot of time with him just because we've kind of been on different schedules. But he can hit. There's no doubt about that. You don't do what he did at the minor league level if you can't hit. And talking to him, trying to get a feel for where he was, how he felt, and then he goes out and has a day that he does, it's cool, man. It really is. Especially as a guy who's been here for a long time and been a part of some really good teams, it's nice to see some of the guys come up and take advantage of the opportunity."

Davis finds it rewarding that the young players seek him out and don't judge him based on his struggles at the plate since receiving the franchise-record contract.

"Absolutely, absolutely, and I appreciate that," he said. "And I think that guys know that I try to be as honest as I can about not only struggling but the successful times as well. I want guys to ask me questions and to pick my brain. I think that's one of the best ways to learn. That's how I learned, from veteran players. I look forward to all those conversations."

The words come from Davis while he's on a tear, going 4-for-5 with two home runs and three walks.

Both homers and a bloop single have gone to left field.

"It's a big part of my plan, and it's not so much going the other way. It's letting the ball travel, not trying to go out and get everything, being ready to hit from the first time that I step in the box, from the first pitch, but also knowing that I have the ability to let the ball travel, to drive the ball, to look for my pitch," Davis said.

"It's been rewarding. It's been nice to see some positive feedback, for sure."

Denied on numerous occasions while hitting into the shift, Davis has seen his luck change along with his approach. His single yesterday came on a ground ball toward the middle that eluded multiple defenders.

"I almost passed out," Davis quipped. "I almost passed out halfway between home plate and first base, and then, I'm (like), 'You mean I can't save that for the season? You've got to be kidding me.' It went through like 27 guys.

"You know what? Hyder (Brandon Hyde) and I had a conversation yesterday during the game and it made a lot of sense, what he was saying, and it made me realize when you're swinging the bat with authority, with a purpose, you're putting the defense of their toes. They know that they have to pay attention. You can't get comfortable.

"When I see a guy, as a defender, swing a bat, foul a ball off or even swing and miss and take an aggressive hack, you notice that. OK man, I've got to pay attention, and I think that's where it creates opportunities as a hitter. I like where I'm at right now. I've still got a long ways to go. This is definitely a good start."

Hunter Harvey is throwing in the bullpen this morning and should make his Grapefruit League debut within a few days.