DESMOND LOOKS TO ERASE BAD MEMORIES Shortstop prospect seeks consistency in the field and at the plate  On a blustery, gray Saturday afternoon at Commerce Bank Park, there are two hours until the first pitch of that night’s game against the Reading Phillies as Senators’ shortstop Ian Desmond readies himself at home plate during batting practice. Desmond deliberately wriggles into his stance, crouching low with his legs spread wide almost to the point of looking awkward, waiting for the next pitch from manager John Stearns. A few seconds later, Desmond drills a wicked line drive into the deep right-center field gap, the crack of the bat drawing the attention of three baseball scouts sitting in the box seats behind first base. |