Not pretty. You'd probably get this, or a similar response, if you asked someone to describe the first two weeks of the Washington National's, and more specifically shortstop Ian Desmond's season. The World Series Favorites got off to a less than stellar start, going 2-6 and giving up 10 unearned runs, while Desmond committed 6 fielding errors. It took him until late April to tally as many last season; a season that started over a week earlier than this years. Suffice it to say, baseball fans know we only really pay attention to April baseball so far as it affects our fantasy team. There is no need to worry. Despite a tantalizing start by the division rival Mets, since getting Jayson Werth back healthy, the Nationals have pulled to .500. With Anthony Rendon still on the mend, and Denard Span and Werth still getting their swings back, the Nationals still look like the best candidate to come out of the NL East.
But where does that leave Desmond? After starting the season batting .115 through 7 games, Desmond has been on a tear. He comes into tonights matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals batting a team leading .304 with a .364 OBP and OPS of over .800. More importantly however, is the confidence with which Desmond is fielding. Despite early struggles, and visible frustration on the field, Desmond made several terrific plays, turning two double plays and turning in this web gem. Confidence can go a long way in a 162 game season. Tuesday night showed us, Desmond's got his back.
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