2023 stats: 144 G, 546 PA, 480 AB, .248/ .325/ .413 (.738 OPS), 18 HR, 69 RBI, 103 OPS+

Noteworthy: Pre-All Star Break: .800 OPS, Post- All Star Break: .649 OPS; 6 Outs Above Average (90th percentile)

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

If you take J.D. Davis’s overall offensive stats accrued over six months from March 30th through the end of September 2023, it might be the worst offensive season of his career.

Since his breakout season with the Mets in 2019, he’s never logged a season OPS lower than .750 or an OPS+ lower than 110. Last season, his average exit velocity was in the 95th percentile, his Barrel % in the 97th, and Hard-Hit % in the 99th. Davis walloped the ball in 2022, and in 2023, he kept up appearances at least for a little while. But a .906 OPS in April dropped to an .816 OPS in May and a .749 June. The monthly splits continued their downward tumble until September when a 3-hit game in Chicago kicked off a positive final month and rescued him from an season OPS slipping into the .600s. A small victory in what was ultimately defined by average production with significant fall off in categories he generally excels in

Overall, Davis still graded above average in the Statcast categories listed above, though he weathered some significant drops. His barrel rate dipped from 16.2% to 9.6%. His Hard-Hit rate fell from an incredible 56.1% to a not-too-shabby but still significantly lower 45.2%. What is maybe the most telling is that, similar to Michael Conforto, Davis’s swing lost its lift. Somewhere on the general downgrade of the season, his average launch angle started to get pinched, going from 12.3 to 7.8 degrees. Unsurprisingly, his groundball rate climbed from 46% to 53.3% and the balls he “topped” (as in hit directly into the ground) jumped 7%. A less dynamic swing with a drop in hard-hit and barrel rate (which takes into account launch angle) explains Davis’s power suck over the season.

Conforto can point to his shoulder injury and extended recovery to explain his swing path problems—but with Davis, it might be his plate approach. He’s got easy power, and he is at his best when he is driving pitches up the middle or to right field. But of the balls Davis put in play in 2023, 38.9% were pulled to the left side of the infield, his highest rate since 2018 and a 3% increase from last year. It’s like his swing flattened out when trying to jump on the ball, rather than keeping his weight back, letting the pitch travel into the zone and getting under it. He swung and missed at slightly fewer pitches (still way too many), but it’s possible adapting his swing in those moments to make contact cost him in other ways. Maybe as the team slumped, he tried to do too much with pitches out of his swing path.

All those numbers just confirm what we already know: Davis is a guy who can get in a funk. He runs hot and he runs ice cold. Sometimes that slump lingers and really messes with him and then one day he blasts a home run over the ivy in Wrigley and everything clicks again. The high of 2019 was followed by a dip in 2020, and slow ascent out of it in 2021. Half of 2022 brought little in terms of results and then a coast-swap and uniform change meant Davis was firing on full cylinders again. Temperamental, mutable. Power and whiff come hand-in-hand.

Or did he make a deal with the baseball devil: sell some of his bat for softer hands? Could it be as simple as that spent more time on improving his defense and subsequently lost his way at the plate? I guess it’s possible? What I do know is that Davis’s skill at third base was a unexpected but needed development.

What was David Villar’s to lose at the beginning of the season became Davis’s quickly after some displays of hot corner prowess coupled with an explosive start to the season offensively. Villar’s struggles at the plate continued and was eventually sent down to Sacramento. Casey Schmitt was brought up and then sent down again after a prolonged offensive scuffle as well. Third base could’ve been a black hole for the Giants if Davis hadn’t developed into a viable defensive option. His ability to hold down the corner infield positions provided some needed stability and flexibility over the year as prospects and/or pickups played musical chairs through San Francisco’s infield.

The year snowballed into mediocrity for Davis, and the Giants’ offensive devolution in late-summer is the reason they didn’t make the playoffs. It doesn’t take much mental gymnastics to figure out where some of the blame for 2023’s disappointments lie. That being said, J.D. Davis feels like an essential part of the team moving forward.

Out of every player who donned the orange-and-black-and-Cruise-patch uni in 2023, J.D. Davis was the one who wore it the most. Davis led the club in games played and plate appearances. He logged 1,002.2 innings in the field with 915.2 at third and 87 at first with 14 reps as designated hitter. He started 114 games and completed 98 of them. The defensive inning total, games started, and complete games total are second only to Thairo Estrada. Davis’s only sojourn on the injured list came on September 28th after an awkward slide into third against San Diego. The only series he didn’t play in was the season’s last against the LA.

That kind of durability is invaluable to any club. Considering the relatively light 4.42 million price tag, what the Giants got from Davis in 2023 was a pretty good deal. Knowing what he can do with the bat and now with the glove, the projected 6.8 million Davis would get this year feels like a steal no matter what his role is, be it starting third-baseman, utility corner infielder, or occasional designated hitter. Most likely: all of the above.

I know I tend to lean positive, but I don’t think fingers-crossed or blind hope enters into it. Davis has serious upside and is a proven hitter at the big league level. We’ve seen him make adjustments before, he’ll figure out the tweaks he needs to make in order to ensure a more dynamic year at the plate.

Now with the improved defense, he’s a puzzle piece with adjustable edges—he creates options for coaches and opportunities for other players by fitting in various spots and filling a variety of roles. Every team needs someone like that, and the Giants are no exception, especially do with their infield in flux after Brandon Crawford’s departure and a bevy of internal prospects vying for innings. Casey Schmitt, Marco Luciano, David Villar—the transition to a new core (if they aren’t trade fodder) will probably have some wrinkles, but J.D. Davis will be there to help smooth out the corners in 2024.

And of course, if the wheels come off for the Giants, Davis, in his final season before Free Agency, would be a fair piece to pawn come August.

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The post San Francisco Giants 2023 Participant Assessment: J.D. Davis appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Vernon Davis has joined Dwayne Johnson, Terry Crews, Michael Jordan, Dave Bautista, and John Cena in an elite club: athletes who have become actors. The former American football tight end played for the San Francisco 49ers and earned two career Pro Bowl selections before pivoting to Hollywood. Over the years, Davis has appeared in films, including Gasoline Alley, A Message from Brianna, Hell on the Border, and Baywatch. His upcoming movie Muti may prove to be his most high-profile and rewarding project to date.

In the action-thriller Muti, Davis portrays Randoku, a serial killer with a disturbing mo, murdering according to a brutal tribal ritual. Hot on Randoku’s trail are Detective Lucas Boyd (Cole Hauser) and Dr. Mackles (Morgan Freeman), who must hunt him down before he can claim another victim. Vernon Davis recently spoke to CBR about switching professions, portraying a serial killer, delving into a dark headspace, and why this might be his best role so far.

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CBR: Quite a few athletes become actors. What makes going from sports to Hollywood such a natural transition?

Vernon Davis: I think because the mindset of an athlete is very competitive and very goal-oriented. They know the importance of repetition and consistency. With repetition and consistency, I am finding now that I am two years into fully being an actor, and I am so much better than when I first started. I am seeing the continual growth. As long as you continue to pursue it and you take advantage of the opportunities that you have with your acting coach — I have been working with the same acting coach for the last two years, twice a week, every week — and that has allowed me to really tap into some different places.

What piqued your interest in acting? What made you want this profession to be the next chapter in your career?

Once I started acting in a class when I was in San Francisco, after that class was over, I became intrigued and passionate about pursuing the arts. I started looking for different opportunities and just doing my research, finding different managers and agents, and just following my heart.

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According to IMDB, you have toiled in action, comedy, western, and drama projects. Which genre do you prefer playing in more?

I like sci-fi and dramas. I like sci-fi because you get some really unique characters. Then there’s superhuman powers that some of them have. It’s pretty cool. I love when I get a good script and the character is really good.

In your upcoming movie, Muti, you portray serial killer Randoku. What made that a meaty role to sink your teeth into?

I was asking the producer, “Why did you choose me for this role? This is a hard role. This is not an easy role.” My character is the one Cole Hauser and Morgan Freeman [are] trying to stop. Cole Hauser’s Detective Lucas Boyd goes to Morgan Freeman’s Dr. Mackles to try to figure out what’s going on. “Who is this guy? How can we stop him? Lead us to him.” Muti is this concoction that I’m making from harvesting all these different body parts of these kids and adults. Pretty sick.

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When you land a job like this, what was the secret of getting into your character’s mindset? He’s not a very nice guy.

No, he’s not. I had to give this guy a unique backstory, something that was really close to my life and something I had to go through… Pain. I had to find something that was really painful for me as a kid, and I found it. That thing that I found allowed me to tap into this character and become him truthfully.

Serial killers get a thrill out of taunting and teasing the police. What kind of cat and mouse game is he playing with Boyd and Mackles?

Oh, Randoku [is] always on the go. You can’t find him. He’s really strategic about his moves. He’s making sure no one sees him. He’s very quiet about what he’s doing, and he strikes at the right time. It depends on what he’s going after. If he’s looking to harvest eyes or brains, he’s really strategic about who he is going after. Maybe there’s a female who has very nice eyes and is really smart. That will probably be his target for what he wants.

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How much have you enjoyed exploring that dark side in a character?

I think we all have a dark side. We do because from the moment we wake up, we can experience these bad thoughts. The mind can go anywhere. If you’re not strong and optimistic enough to be able to handle the trials and tribulations of life, your mind is going to go really dark. That’s why we have all these positive affirmations, and we continue to surround ourselves with positive people. If you surround yourself with negative or bad influences, you are going to have a tough time being that great person you are meant to be.

What was it like sharing screen time with [Cole] Hauser and [Morgan] Freeman?

It was unbelievable working with those guys. I have scenes with Cole Hauser. I have scenes with Morgan Freeman, and both of them together. I was like, “It’s not going to get any better than that.” Sometimes I was thinking, “This might be the best movie that I ever do.”

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Bryan Cairns
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The Houston Texans want to extend their winning streak to three and play their penultimate game of the season this Sunday in the playoffs of the San Francisco 49ers.

And despite the fact that they just play out of pride, according to Texan’s security Justin Reid, the motivation is as strong as ever: “We’re trying to be the Grinch who goes there and will steal San Francisco’s Christmas”.

RECORDS: Texans (4-11), 49ers (8-7)

OPPORTUNITIES: Ouch. The Texans are 12.5 points underdog, the over / under is 43.5 (Pro SI Sportsbook).

STAT: The Texans faced fewer opponents than the 49ers. San Francisco currently leads the series 3-1. Houston’s only win came back in 2009 when Matt Schaub passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns while Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels led the Texans in rushing and receiving, respectively.

This is the first duel between these teams since 2017, when the 49ers won 26-16.

SIDE FACT: The Texans have returned to near full strength since last week’s 41-29 win over the LA Chargers. Sixteen players have been activated from the COVID-19 / reserve list this week, including star wide receiver Brandin Cooks, starting center Justin Britt and defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who sacks Houston at the top.

Left guard Lane Taylor, defensive linemen Roy Lopez, Maliek Collins, Derek Rivers, Jaleel Johnson, Jordan Jenkins, linebackers Kamu Grugier-Hill, Eric Wilson and Neville Hewitt, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn and security guards Eric Murray and AJ Moore were also there activated. Cre’Von LeBlanc, cornerback of the training team, also returned.

Houston, however, has lost wide receivers Danny Amendola, Chris Moore and defensive end Ron’Dell Carter to the COVID protocol.

In the meantime, Receiver Phillip Dorsett and Center Cole Toner have been placed in the injured reserve.

Keep an eye out: With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo struggling with an injury, Trey Lance is likely to start for San Francisco. If so, it will be the battle of the rookie quarterbacks: Lance (third overall pick) vs. Davis Mills (third round pick).

Lance has only played five times and started only once this season. He lost 25 of 48 for 354 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Lance hasn’t played since Week 11 and hasn’t started since losing to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5.

Mills has played 11 games, starting nine and 219 out of 329 for 2,200 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. As Houston’s starter in the last three games, Mills went 2-1, passing for 794 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

HOUSTON’S KEY TO VICTORY: More of the same.

Last week’s surprise win wasn’t particularly groundbreaking. The Texans simply implemented the basics more effectively. Rex Burkhead was able to get the running game going thanks to consistent blocking from a makeshift offensive line. Combine that with Mills’ efficiency in passing and the offense finally clicks.

The hope is that there won’t be a hangover from last week and that they can hold the momentum through the end of the season and finish at a high.

PLAY TIME: 3:05 PM CT, Sunday January 2

POSITION: Levi’s Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

TV / RADIO: CBS, KHOU, Sports Radio 610, 100.3 The Bull, Mega 101 FM

THE LAST WORD: Win or lose when the Texans can see another solid performance from their rookies then fans have reason to be optimistic. Mills along with receiver Nico Collins, tight end Brevin Jordan, defensive tackle Roy Lopez and linebacker Garret Wallow have all impressed this year and look like building blocks that move forward.

The post NFL Week 17 Preview: Can Davis Mills’ Houston Texans Defy Odds vs San Francisco 49ers? appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Davis Musical Theater Company’s first show in its 37th season, Disney’s Mary Poppins, opens Friday, September 17th at 8:00 pm

The play will be shown on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 10 at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive # 10, Davis.

The jack-of-all-trades Bert introduces the audience to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. The young Jane and Michael have sent quite a few nannies to pack before Mary Poppins is at their door. Mary Poppins is a mixture of unforgettable songs, dances and stage art.

The show features Jori Gonzales as Mary Poppins, Judah Dwight as Bert the Chimney Sweep, Andi Bourquin as Mrs. Banks, Amy Woodman as Mrs. Brill, Tim Blankenship as Robertson Ay, Ruby Schwerin as Jane Banks and Django Nachmanoff as Michael Banks.

General tickets are $ 18. Tickets for students, children, and seniors (55+) are $ 16. For groups of 10 or more, tickets cost 14 USD. To order tickets, go to dmtc.org or call (530) 756-3682.

The post ‘Mary Poppins’ opens Davis Musical Theatre Firm’s thirty seventh season – Each day Democrat appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.