{"playerId":2215,"percentChange":0,"averageDraftPosition":63,"percentOwned":100,"playerRaterSEASON":4.6,"playerRater7DAY":-1,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"Desmond hit his fifth home run, after moving up in the batter's box, the MLB.com reports. After the adjustment, the starting shortstop went 3-for-4, with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored, to lead the Nationals to their fifth consecutive win.","spin":"Desmond made a small adjustment to his batting stance before Friday's game by moving up in the box. According to manager Davey Johnson, this was a move to help Desmond catch up with breaking balls. Well, the move definitely paid off. The home run was Desmond's fifth of the season and his 500th career hit. He will look to continue his recent success as the Nationals take on the Cubs on Saturday afternoon.","date":"Sat May 11"},"fullName":"Ian Desmond","seasonOutlook":{"outlook":"Three shortstops managed a 20-homer/20-steal season in 2012, but only one of them batted greater than .260: Ian Desmond. You heard that right: It was Desmond, not Ramirez, Reyes, Rollins or Jeter, who accomplished the feat, pacing the position with 25 home runs, or three more than he had hit the previous three seasons combined. Desmond did it by improving in two key areas: First, he was more aggressive, for instance swinging 10 percent more often in hitters' counts; and second, he excelled in terms of inner-half plate coverage, including a .333 average and six homers on fastballs inside. That new approach helped him drive the ball with more authority, while he maintained the 20-steal speed he exhibited previously. In short, Desmond's adjustments solidified his 2012 as legit, the only threat of change in his 2013 profile being a possible correction to his 17.5 home run/fly ball percentage. Keep in mind, though, that he was limited to just 130 games last year, and better health might offset any dip in power. Now a prime-aged 27, Desmond belongs in the discussion with the best at his position.","seasonId":2013,"date":"Wed Feb 20"},"playerRater30DAY":3.3,"playerRater15DAY":1.5,"positionRank":6}