Chili Davis is ready to scrap launch angle in favor of a throwback concept: putting the ball in play.
The veteran hitting coach, hired last month by the Mets as part of manager Mickey Callaway’s retooled staff, will be preaching contact this spring as he attempts to help resurrect a lineup that has added solid pieces in Robinson Cano, Wilson Ramos and Jed Lowrie. The 58-year-old Davis spent last season with the Cubs and served previously as hitting coach for the Athletics and Red Sox.
Davis’ approach is a change from the Mets’ philosophy in recent seasons of employing one kind of swing, to maximize power, regardless of the situation.