The Nationals likely would be happy if Ian Desmond learns to make routine plays and hits .270 with a little power. But the National League East’s other shortstops set a high standard in their respective rookie seasons. Will Desmond follow?
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, 2001 » Rollins had a short stint with Philadelphia in 2000, then blasted out of the gate in 2001, batting .274 with 180 hits — including 12 triples. He led the NL with 46 stolen bases.
Jose Reyes, Mets, 2003 » Reyes did not play a full season until 2005, when he led the majors with 17 triples. But in 69 games as a rookie, the fleet-footed shortstop hit .307 and scored 47 runs in only 292 at-bats.
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins, 2006 » It would be downright criminal to hold Desmond to these offensive standards. Ramirez won NL rookie of the year, hitting .292 with 17 home runs. Oh, and he stole 51 bases and scored 119 runs.
Yunel Escobar, Braves, 2007 » Escobar is the least heralded player on this list, mainly because he’s the most inexperienced. The fourth-year pro lacks the wheels of his fellow NL East shortstops, but he hit .326 in 94 games as a rookie.
