Going Deep: Skenes, Davis eager to lead in all ways
Paul Skenes and Henry Davis are in a unique position to provide the Pirates with leadership at two of the most important positions for the foreseeable future.
They became the first set of former No. 1 picks -- Davis in 2021 and Skenes in 2023 -- to form a battery in Major League Baseball history earlier this season. And their play of late, their pedigree and their natural leadership abilities put them in a spot to lead the franchise into the light.
Take their contributions toward the 10-1 rout of the Diamondbacks today at Chase Field: Skenes went 6 2/3 innings, struck out seven, allowed four hits and didn't give up a run. Davis went 2 for 5 with an RBI on top of calling the game behind the plate.
"We can set the tone when we’re out there," Davis told me. "Doing everything we can to have good energy and compete in a way that sets the tone for the team. I think we have a lot of good competitors on the team that can thrive in that."
It takes a lot to lead a big-league club at 23 or 25 years old. Skenes and Davis have the makeup. They were both leaders in college and high school and have the mental fortitude to stay calm in the moments that matter, while having the talent and hard-working mindset. If one roamed the Pirates' clubhouse or facilities leading up to a game, they'd most likely find Skenes or Davis doing some type of work. Skenes has a strict day-to-day routine and is constantly doing something that sets him up for his next start. Davis is known for his pregame work, whether that's spending extra time in the batting cage or with pitchers preparing a game plan.
"Leadership starts with personal leadership and just mastering what you do when you show up at the field every day," Skenes said. "We're big-leaguers. We're here for a reason. That's why we've gotten to this level. I think, to be honest, now it's just showing up on the field a little bit more. Execution is a little bit better. But in terms of guys in the clubhouse, I don't think anybody has stepped up that hasn't stepped up before."
Skenes has the makeup of a leader. He has the talent, as his 2.03 ERA over 35 career starts, along with never allowing more than six hits in an outing -- a Major League Baseball record -- speaks for itself. He also has his manager, Don Kelly, raving, "People show up to watch him pitch. I love to watch him pitch. He's great out there. He's special," when asked about the rise in attendance for Skenes' road starts. His history as an Air Force cadet helps and there's no question that the National League Rookie of the Year has the mental fortitude. When it comes to leading, he is trying to strike a perfect balance.
"I think it changes every day. What the team needs one day, is not necessarily what the team needs another day," Skenes would say about his leadership style as he becomes accustomed to his role. "I think it shows up differently; everybody leads in their own way."
As a former No. 1 pick, Davis has the pedigree and the work ethic, but his talent had been falling short. He's turned the corner recently, as he's taken a step forward defensively and he's hitting .400/.478/.600 over his last seven games with eight hits, one home run and five RBIs. His pregame work has paid off, as he's always ready when called upon. If he continues this, it could go a long way.
He wants to lead, too.
"I hope to do that here," Davis would tell me. "I definitely feel comfortable in that."
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
12:10 am - 05.29.2025PHOENIXGoing Deep: Skenes, Davis eager to lead in all ways
Paul Skenes and Henry Davis are in a unique position to provide the Pirates with leadership at two of the most important positions for the foreseeable future.
They became the first set of former No. 1 picks -- Davis in 2021 and Skenes in 2023 -- to form a battery in Major League Baseball history earlier this season. And their play of late, their pedigree and their natural leadership abilities put them in a spot to lead the franchise into the light.
Take their contributions toward the 10-1 rout of the Diamondbacks today at Chase Field: Skenes went 6 2/3 innings, struck out seven, allowed four hits and didn't give up a run. Davis went 2 for 5 with an RBI on top of calling the game behind the plate.
"We can set the tone when we’re out there," Davis told me. "Doing everything we can to have good energy and compete in a way that sets the tone for the team. I think we have a lot of good competitors on the team that can thrive in that."
It takes a lot to lead a big-league club at 23 or 25 years old. Skenes and Davis have the makeup. They were both leaders in college and high school and have the mental fortitude to stay calm in the moments that matter, while having the talent and hard-working mindset. If one roamed the Pirates' clubhouse or facilities leading up to a game, they'd most likely find Skenes or Davis doing some type of work. Skenes has a strict day-to-day routine and is constantly doing something that sets him up for his next start. Davis is known for his pregame work, whether that's spending extra time in the batting cage or with pitchers preparing a game plan.
"Leadership starts with personal leadership and just mastering what you do when you show up at the field every day," Skenes said. "We're big-leaguers. We're here for a reason. That's why we've gotten to this level. I think, to be honest, now it's just showing up on the field a little bit more. Execution is a little bit better. But in terms of guys in the clubhouse, I don't think anybody has stepped up that hasn't stepped up before."
Skenes has the makeup of a leader. He has the talent, as his 2.03 ERA over 35 career starts, along with never allowing more than six hits in an outing -- a Major League Baseball record -- speaks for itself. He also has his manager, Don Kelly, raving, "People show up to watch him pitch. I love to watch him pitch. He's great out there. He's special," when asked about the rise in attendance for Skenes' road starts. His history as an Air Force cadet helps and there's no question that the National League Rookie of the Year has the mental fortitude. When it comes to leading, he is trying to strike a perfect balance.
"I think it changes every day. What the team needs one day, is not necessarily what the team needs another day," Skenes would say about his leadership style as he becomes accustomed to his role. "I think it shows up differently; everybody leads in their own way."
As a former No. 1 pick, Davis has the pedigree and the work ethic, but his talent had been falling short. He's turned the corner recently, as he's taken a step forward defensively and he's hitting .400/.478/.600 over his last seven games with eight hits, one home run and five RBIs. His pregame work has paid off, as he's always ready when called upon. If he continues this, it could go a long way.
He wants to lead, too.
"I hope to do that here," Davis would tell me. "I definitely feel comfortable in that."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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