Desmond deserves starting spot in All-Star Game

Ian Desmond has transformed himself this season, and the results should make him a strong contender for a starting spot on the American League All-Star team.

The most obvious sign of the new Desmond is the position at which he is listed on the ballot. A shortstop his whole career with the Nationals, including in his 2012 National League All-Star season, Desmond switched to the outfield with the Rangers this year. He played mostly in left initially, but handled that spot capably enough that Texas shifted him to center about three weeks ago when it sent struggling Delino DeShields back to the Minors.

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Desmond also has rediscovered his old form at the plate. Following three straight 20-20, Silver Slugger Award-winning seasons, Desmond’s bat slumped significantly in his contract year, which played a major role in him settling for a one-year, $8 million deal with the Rangers. The 30-year-old then began 2016 by batting .109 with no extra-base hits in his first 12 games before something clicked.

In 37 games since April 19, Desmond owns a .354/.396/.571 line with 19 extra-base hits, six homers, 27 RBIs and nine steals. Combine that with his defense, which most advanced metrics have pegged as above average in a small sample, and Desmond …

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