F/F SPOTLIGHT: Ian Desmond

Sometimes, you just can’t predict ball.

Exhibit A over the past few seasons could be Ian Desmond (SS/OF, TEX). A third-round pick by the (then) Montreal Expos in 2004, Desmond made his MLB debut as a September call-up in 2009 and quickly became of the premier shortstops in the National League.

By his age-28 season in 2013, Desmond had already become one of just three SS in MLB history to post three straight 20/20 seasons; joining Alex Rodriguez (1997-99) and Hanley Ramírez (2007-10). A glance at Desmond’s first five MLB seasons unveils a steady middle infielder with consistent production in his prime:

Year   BA    R  RBI  HR  SB  5x5
====  ====  ==  ===  ==  ==  ===
2010  .269  59   65  10  17  $13
2011  .253  65   49   8  25 ...

Almost!

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