“I don’t think I’ve seen a guy, pound for pound, with more pop than he’s got…It’s just a matter of him getting his reps in, seeing the league a couple times, and getting comfortable.  He showed me enough last year to impress me.  He’s very slick at first, a well-rounded ballplayer.  If he connects, the ball will hit the Grand Canyon.”

~ Chipper Jones, as quoted by the Daily News

I was so impressed Davis was able to make one adjustment after the next last year, especially towards the end of the season. He seems so poised and mature for someone so young, and I am expecting him to have a big year in 2011.

According to FanGraphs, Bill James expects Davis to hit .283 with 23 home runs and 78 RBI. I expect more than that from him this season, assuming he stays healthy, although that might not be fair to him.

In addition, regarding Josh Thole, Jones said “he doesn’t have the pop that some young guys have, but he’s very disciplined at the plate. He’s more out of my mold because he’s more concerned with hitting .300 and being a tough out.”

I can envision Thole being a top of the order-type hitter at some point. He has been a great contact hitter so far and shows very good plate discipline as well, and I could see him developing more pop as time goes on.