NBC: Ike Davis is NL’s 2nd best first baseman

Yesterday, Prince Fielder reportedly signed a nine-year, $214 million contract with the Tigers. In a post to NBC Hardball Talk, Matthew Poulliot lists Ike Davis as the second best first baseman in the National League (now that Fielder is in the AL), with his projected .864 OPS behind only Joey Votto‘s .990 OPS. According to FanGraphs, Bill James projects Davis to hit .288 with 25 home runs and 80 RBI in 141 games in 2012. Prior to injuring his ankle on May 10 last season, Davis was on pace to hit 31 home runs with 112 RBI. Earlier this month, Davis told Anthony Rieber of Newsday that he’s healthy and the bone bruise in his ankle is not a concern. Michael Baron: Assuming his ankle problems are behind him, my expectations of Ike are in line with both Poulliot’s and James’ projections … if not a little higher (given the new dimensions at Citi Field). At these levels, Ike would also prove to be one of the great values in the league with a salary of around ...