Chili Davis to instill competitiveness in Oakland Athletics – MLB News
The all-time leading switch hitter Chili Davis, who was hired as the hitting coach of the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, November 26, state that he was happy to be part of the club. But most importantly, for him and the team as he commented, it was about
being a competitor in every game.
Having remained the three-time All-Star slugger, Davis wants to instill competitive skills in every player who comes under his auspices. Such a strategy to be competitive, as he maintains, forces the pitchers to go for the offensive, working and understanding
the comfort zone of the players.
"It's about being a competitor in each at-bat," Davis said. "You're forcing pitchers to work -- being offensive.”
Dale Davis joins the team at a time when Gerald Perry’s contract was not renewed, allowing Davis to replace him. Interestingly, both the team manager Bob Melvin and Davis have remained team-mates in the past when they were part of the San Francisco Giants
in the seasons of 1986 and 1987.
Having remained the hitting coach for the Boston's Triple-A Pawtucket, Davis has learned a lot as a coach much after he remained an ideal slugger throughout his career. He possesses an impressive record while being part of different teams.
Among other things, being caring and consistent with the players is very important for Davis. “There's no one way to go about it with so many guys, and I think the biggest thing I learned in the last two years when you're dealing with professional hitters,
that one of the most important things is for them to see that you really care and you're consistent.”
The Oakland Athletics have much to do in the upcoming year as they were 23rd in Major League Baseball this year with a .244 batting average. The team was 12th in the American League, something that they will be looking to work on. With
the arrival of Davis, the team hopes that will change. It will be interesting to see what Davis will be able to do and what type of impact he will have on the Athletics.
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