Prospect Report: Does New York Mets' Ike Davis Have Fantasy Value in 2010?

New York Mets’ prospect Ike Davis made his major league debut against the Cubs Monday night.

The 23-year-old left-handed first baseman recorded a hit in his first at-bat, a bloop single to right. In the seventh inning, Davis drove in Jason Bay on a hard-hit grounder up the middle off southpaw Sean Marshall. Davis finished the night 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Also Monday, Mets’ general manager Omar Minaya said Davis will be the everyday starter at first base, at least until Daniel Murphy returns from the DL.

The subsequent question for fantasy managers, of course, is what impact will Davis have?

The Mets’ fourth-ranked prospect in 2010 according to Baseball America , Davis possesses “quick hands and lift in his swing, giving him plus power.” He is, however, prone to strikeouts and will have to make adjustments in order to maintain a high average in the majors. BA also notes Davis’ exceptional makeup.

Davis was the Mets’ first-round pick (No. 18 overall) in the 2008 draft. He struggled to hit just .256 with no homers later that season in Low A. Between Single-A and Double-A in 2009, however, Davis combined to hit .298 with 20 HRs and 71 RBI.

The Edina, Minn., native was batting .364 (12-for-42), with two long balls at Triple-A this season before his promotion.

Assuming Davis continues to bat fifth behind David Wright and Bay, he should be provided with plenty of RBI opportunities.

It is important, however, to keep expectations in check for Davis, who Baseball America ranked as the No. 62 prospect overall in February. With Mike Jacobs designated for assignment Sunday, Murphy—who is expected to return from the DL sometime in early May—is Davis’ only competition at first base. Davis’ production between now and then will likely determine how much playing time he receives the rest of the season.

Given a modest total of 400 at-bats in 2010, Davis is unlikely to post numbers worthy of ownership in most fantasy leagues. In keeper and dynasty leagues, however, Davis has major upside.

FBI Forecast: 400 at-bats, 45 runs, 12 HRs, 60 RBI, .250 batting average

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