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Colorado Rockies: Don’t worry about Ian Desmond

By Olivia Greene

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 30: Ian Desmond #20 of the Colorado Rockies on deck during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 30, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 30: Ian Desmond #20 of the Colorado Rockies on deck during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 30, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Recently, I’ve seen an influx of articles surrounding how Ian Desmond will do for the Colorado Rockies in 2018. I wrote about if he would have a bounce back year while my Rox Pile colleague Aaron Hurt discussed why he is very concerned with Desmond’s spring in this article. Consider this a counter-point to Aaron’s article from this morning.

I get that it’s Spring Training and we are eager to see and criticize the players, but it’s too early. With the events of the Carlos Gonzalez signing and roster moves still to come between now and the start of the season, things are up in the air. With CarGo coming back, it’s starting to look like Desmond will be at first. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t be worried.

This idea actually came to me early Wednesday morning after reading an article by FanSided about the X-factor for each team. I was happy to see Desmond in good graces. The article hilariously talks about Ryan McMahon failing this season at first base, which is a possibility to consider.

In my opinion, there’s no reason to be concerned with Desmond. His 2017 wasn’t his ideal first season with the Rockies, but much of it was due to injury. Last season was his first-ever time on the disabled list, don’t forget. As of now, he’s healthy and ready to go so he’ll most likely be playing first because no one wants to bench $22 million. Now Desmond can take over a spot that he was supposed have when he originally signed with Colorado.

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Looking at Spring Training in no way correlates to what Desmond can or will do this season. Joey Votto, the man that came in second place for the National League MVP last year, is in the same boat as Desmond (hitting .091 this spring heading into Wednesday’s game), but you don’t hear the criticism coming against a player like Votto.

All I’m saying is, so what if Desmond isn’t doing so well this spring? He has plenty of time to bounce back during the regular season and prove his worth to the Rockies.

My colleague mentions his stats from last season as well. In my opinion, there’s barely anything to look at and make points about. He played in 95 games and was 93-for-339 with seven home runs and 40 RBI. He was just one home run from matching Rockies starting second basemen DJ LeMahieu (who played in 60 more games than Desmond last season). There are many things to worry about other than just Desmond when it comes to the offense, including if CarGo returns to form and what production the Rockies can get out of the bottom of the batting order.

Next: CarGo signing clouds Ryan McMahon’s status?

When Desmond is healthy, I believe you will see him perform like he did back in 2016, which was an All-Star year for him. Also this guy has speed (he led the Rockies with 15 stolen bases last season), which is something that helps get teams get runs. And what do runs get the Rockies? Wins. That’s essentially the goal fans have for the Rockies is to win and to win a lot.

This year, I believe Ian Desmond will be back to his 2016 form and proving the naysayers wrong.

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