Yes or No: Ian Desmond in Colorado?

Ian Desmond’s landing spots are disappearing by the day. After turning down a seven-year, $105 million dollar extension with the Nationals in 2014, Desmond is out of a job after doubling down on himself and losing. San Diego, once the most likely new home for Desmond, signed Alexei Ramirez to a one year contract earlier this week, closing their door to Desmond. Desmond has been loosely linked to the New York Mets, but things are pretty quiet for him otherwise. So, naturally, we are forced to wonder…

Would Ian Desmond fit in Colorado?

Earlier today, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman sent out this tweet:

The Rockies have Jose Reyes still on their roster and his status is unknown surrounding his pending domestic violence trial that’s scheduled during the first week of the regular season. There’s also prospects Trevor Story and Christhian Adames who should get a shot at the starting spot if Reyes isn’t available so the Rockies can figure out if they have something for the future. As a shortstop, it doesn’t make sense to sign Desmond with Reyes’ albatross of a contract still on the books.

HOWEVER, Desmond, according to MLB Trade Rumors, is marketing himself as someone who can play multiple positions a la Ben Zobrist. In that capacity, Desmond becomes a much more attractive asset. Desmond can play third, second and as a corner outfielder, especially with his bat. His pure power would play extremely well in Coors. Only issue; All-Stars Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu are locked at third and second, respectively and we just signed Gerardo Parra to play the outfield. If the Rockies had not signed Parra – my feelings on that here and here – throwing the right-handed hitting Desmond in a corner would be intriguing to say the least.

In terms of money, the Rockies probably can’t afford Desmond after the Parra signing unless they drop some major chunks of salary (Carlos Gonzalez could go, but no one will take Reyes). However, with the shrinking market and Desmond’s off year in 2015, theoretically the Rockies could buy low on a very talented player.

Desmond is surely looking for a multi-year deal and it doesn’t make sense for the Rockies to make that commitment. But if Desmond gets desperate and his demands drop, there’s a slight chance that Desmond ends up in Colorado.

Next: AltiTwo Talk Show - Gerardo Parra

Logan and Isaac come back from a month-long hiatus and record… something. They vent about the Gerardo Parra signing, frustration with Rockies GM Jeff Bridich over his lack of sharing (because friends don’t keep secrets) and look at what’s next for the Rockies GM.