Second Round Pick Brennen Davis Shines in South Bend Cubs Debut
I have been looking forward to seeing what Brennen Davis, the Cubs’ second round pick from the last year’s draft, could do. The son of former Chicago Bull Reggie Theus, Davis has really been coming into his own as a baseball player after concentrating on it following the conclusion of his prep basketball career.
My plan had already included a profile on the 19-year-old outfielder, but the whole night broke with this surprising tweet from the South Bend Cubs.
TRANSACTION: With outfielder Nelson Velazquez being placed on the injured list, @Cubs 2018 2nd round pick @brennen7777 has been transferred from extended spring training to South Bend.#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/D9bVfuZHfN
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) May 25, 2019
And just like that my evening was planned.
Davis’s journey to debut at South Bend was as a result of an injury to fellow outfielder Nelson Velazquez, who suffered a strained oblique and was put on the 7-day IL. Davis was out in Arizona practicing for the season by participating in extended spring training and I was thinking I would not get to see him until Eugene began play on June 14.
Davis was eased into his debut as the designated hitter, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. The double almost hit off the base of the wall in right center, an impressive cut going the other way with power. His other hit came on a single to center.
It’s just one game, but it is a glimpse of what kind of hitter he can be. Last year, he only played 18 games in rookie league in Arizona. But in that short stint, he hit .298 with a .431 OBP and a 138 wRC+, which is fantastic. Davis added some weight and adjusted his swing over the winter, though he’s still got room to grow on both fronts.
I am now looking forward to see just exactly what other skills he has in his bag. There’s definitely some power there along with some speed, but I think his ability to drive balls in the zone is quite good. This is going to be a continuing story as long as he stays in South Bend.
INTERVIEW After the South Bend’s 10-7 win over West Michigan, Chicago Cubs top-10 prospect and new #SBCubs @brennen7777 caught up with @BKingSports on his @FourWindsField debut and the immediate impact he made by going 2/4 with a RBI on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/u8dg4vZgNe
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) May 26, 2019
That comment about Cole Roederer, who was picked near Davis, was really cool and you get the sense that the pair will continue to feed off of one another. Roederer went 2-for-5 himself Saturday night, so we’re seeing that happen already.
If you’ve got the chance to get up to South Bend for a game, there’s quite a lot to be excited about.