SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ian Desmond, a former shortstop and most recently the Rockies’ primary first baseman, is preparing for his next assignment: patrolling the wide-open spaces of Coors Field.
Specifically, at age 33, Desmond has been pegged to play center field as the Rockies shift all-star Charlie Blackmon, 32, to left.
It promises to be a challenge. After all, Coors Field’s fair territory is the largest in the majors and batted balls take flight in a hurry through Denver’s mile-high air. According to the Business Insider, the fair territory covers 2.