SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The announcement came early in camp, and to the surprise of many: Ian Desmond would be Colorado’s starting center fielder. Bud Black’s tabbing of the 33-year-old veteran to roam the wide expanse at Coors Field was no doubt met with many raised eyebrows.
But if early returns are any indication, Desmond indeed looks like the right answer for Colorado in center. Through eight Cactus League games, he’s made a number of difficult plays in the gap while also demonstrating confident reads and routes on the ball.
“I think he looks good and he looks comfortable,” said fellow Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who moved from center to right this season.