{"playerId":2215,"percentChange":0,"averageDraftPosition":63,"percentOwned":100,"playerRaterSEASON":4.3,"playerRater7DAY":-2,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"Desmond is out of the Nationals' lineup Sunday in San Diego.","spin":"Desmond is 0-for-14 over his last four games, so hopefully a day of rest aids in getting him back on track. In his stead, Danny Espinosa will slide over to shortstop and Steve Lombardozzi will take over the keystone.","date":"Sun May 19"},"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,"playerRater15DAY":2,"positionRank":6}