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Colorado Rockies reasons for 2018 excitement: Ian Desmond’s speed

By Kevin Henry

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Ian Desmond #20 of the Colorado Rockies steals second base ahead of the throw to Carlos Asuaje #20 of the San Diego Padres during the second inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on September 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Ian Desmond #20 of the Colorado Rockies steals second base ahead of the throw to Carlos Asuaje #20 of the San Diego Padres during the second inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on September 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Pouring back through the numbers produced by the Colorado Rockies in the 2017 season, there is perhaps one offensive number that has been overlooked and could provide yet another reason for excitement for the Rockies and their potential overall improvement in 2018.

Despite an injury-plagued first season in Colorado, first baseman/outfielder Ian Desmond ended the season with a team-leading 15 stolen bases in just 95 games. As a comparison, Charlie Blackmon stole 14 bases in 159 games. Those were the only two Rockies to steal more than 10 bases last season as Colorado finished tied for 25th in Major League Baseball with 59 swipes.

Additionally, Desmond was caught stealing just four times in 2017, proving that when he is aggressive on the basepaths, the gamble usually pays off.

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In the first year of his five-year, $70 million contract, Desmond fought through injuries and a propensity to hit ground balls (a career-high 2.42 GO/AO) to post above career averages in batting (.274) and OBP (.326). However, his slugging percentage of .375 was his lowest since 2011, as was his OPS of .701.

Despite lower numbers, his versatility paid dividends both in the outfield and at first base. With Mark Reynolds unlikely to be re-signed by the Rockies in the offseason and David Dahl working his way back from a rib injury that cost him the 2017 season, Desmond could well finally become the full-time first baseman the Rockies envisioned when they signed him.

Don’t forget that, just before coming to Colorado, Desmond posted 20-20 seasons in terms of home runs and stolen bases in four of the five previous seasons. When he turned the feat in 2014, he became just the third shortstop in Major League Baseball history to accomplish the feat in three consecutive seasons.

Desmond’s injuries (a broken hand suffered in spring training and a calf injury that cost him time in July and August) were the first of his career that warranted a trip to the disabled list. If those are chalked up as part of a tough first season in Colorado and Desmond can rebound in 2018 the same way that Gerardo Parra did from his rocky start in a Rockies uniform in 2016, it bodes well for Colorado.

Next: 5 times we loved the Rockies roasting someone on social media

Note: This is the first in a series of articles where will be discussing some of the reasons for excitement for next season in Colorado. Feel free to add your own reasons in the comments below.

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