Colorado Rockies: Top 3 moves we wish were April Fools’ jokes

Ian Desmond c’mon down!

In trying to describe the time Ian Desmond has thus far spent in Colorado, it can be summed up in one word: disappointing. The club signed Desmond before the 2017 season to a 5-year, $70 million contract to primarily play first base and bolster their lineup. Expectations have certainly been let down for fans.

Things started when, in spring training, Desmond suffered a fracture in his left hand after being hit by a 93-mph fastball. It led to a season in which Desmond appeared in just 95 games. He slashed .274/.326/.375 with seven home runs and 40 RBI. To make matters worse, Desmond recorded a .305 wOBA and 69 wRC+.

Last season, Desmond stayed healthy missing just two games. It was about the only ‘glass half full’ moment of his year. Desmond slashed .236/.307/.422. Surprisingly, he did hit 22 home runs but still failed to cross the threshold, and posted an 81 wRC+. While improved, it was still bad.

To make matters worse, Desmond has not been good in his time at first base. In 1348 2/3 innings there, he has a -7 DRS and -4.3 UZR/150.

The Rockies are four games into the new season, and so far it’s the same old lackluster production from Desmond. In nine plate appearances, he is slashing .154/.154/.385 with 2 RBIs, a .164 wOBA and -14 wRC+. Desmond already has been worth -0.2 WAR, per Fangraphs. Hopefully, he can figure it out and the season is still fresh. However, if Desmond cannot put a productive year together in 2019, this will mirror the Hampton contract as one of the worst in team history.