Washington Nationals may offer contract extension to Ian Desmond - MLB Update
Ian Desmond remained one of the most consistent batters in Washington Nationals’ line-up in the season. Apart from this, he performed his role as shortstop reasonably well.
Desmond improved immensely in the current season. He has impressed the management to such an extent that he may earn contract extension in the off-season.
Ian worked extremely hard this year. Under close supervision of manager Davey Johnson, he fixed issues regarding his composure at the plate in Spring Training. He was lucky enough for the support of his manager.
Johnson showed immense confidence in his abilities and always told him that he is going to play an important role for the team in the season.
Desmond then rewarded the faith of the manager by actually putting up splendid shows.
In the beginning of the season, the Nationals saw most of their reliable batters injured. With Michael Morse out, their offence was without a formidable force that can ensure home-runs in most of the games. Similarly, Jayson Werth was out for a number of
weeks due to a wrist fracture.
Injuries to players seriously weakened the Nationals’ offence and put them on the brink of experiencing lengthy losing streaks as a result.
Interestingly, Desmond stood out and lifted the Nationals offensively in the absence of established batters in the line-up.
He struck home-runs and did the bulk of the production for Washington for as long as injured players did not return. Although Washington’s pitchers were largely responsible for piling up of wins by them, Desmond spearheaded their offence.
Due to his terrific performances, Desmond was included in the list of All-Star players. Unfortunately, he could not appear in the extravagant contest between the National League and the American League due to injury.
Desmond was disheartened for not being able to participate in the match.
“It’s just tough,” Desmond said. “It’s not something you want to do, withdraw your name from the All-Star Game. As tough as it sounds, it’s harder to do, especially when you were selected by Tony La Russa personally. It’s just a hard decision to make, period.”
In-spite of his utmost desire to play in the All-Star Game, he decided to escape it for the fear that he may end up aggravating his injury.
“It was definitely a tough decision, one that we spent quite a few days mulling over,” Desmond said. “In the end, I think it’s best for the team and best for myself to take a rest.”
Undoubtedly, it was a dream year for Desmond. He will be looking to continue with his excellent composure at the plate and producing runs regularly.
The Nationals may announce their decision in the off-season regarding renewal of his contract. It will be interesting to see what kind of contract they offer him.
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