Colorado Rockies: 5 statistics that must improve in 2018

Ian Desmond’s ground ball rate

In his first season in a Colorado uniform, it’s safe to say that Ian Desmond didn’t have the debut he or the Rockies were hoping for when they signed him to a long and expensive contract in the offseason.

Colorado Rockies

Desmond suffered a broken hand in spring training and was unavailable on Opening Day. When he did return, he struggled with leg injuries that forced him back to the disabled list. In all, he played in just 95 games in 2017.

So, yes, health was an issue last season for the 32-year-old. However, so was Desmond’s inability to get the ball in the air.

Of the balls Desmond put into play last season, 80 were grounders, resulting in 63.5% ground ball percentage. Had he qualified in the category, he would have been easily one of the top players in the Majors in this category. As an aside, Dee Gordon led all qualified batters with a 58.4% ground ball percentage.

Not to drop a “Coors” reference here, but one of the keys to playing at Coors Field is the ability to get the ball in the air and find some gaps. Desmond simply must do that more in 2018.

While playing in just 95 games, Desmond still led the Rockies with 15 stolen bases. He also had just 19 extra-base hits. If Desmond can get the ball in the air and use his speed, it will be a big boost to the Colorado offense in 2018.