Desmond ready for new challenge

Last week the Nationals signed second baseman Adam Kennedy to shore up the middle infield for the 2010 season. Mike Rizzo has said he would like to sign one more veteran starting pitcher to finish up the off season changes. A lot of talk last week centered around the possiblity of signing a second baseman and if that did not come to fruition, one scenario had the Nats starting the season with Cristian Guzman and Ian Desmond as the double play combination. Now with Kennedy signed, where does that leave Desmond? I spoke with Ian and he told me he is not discouraged by the signing: "I knew they weren't going to give me the position. I knew I would have to earn it." On the signing of Kennedy, Ian said "It is just one more hurdle. They want to put the best guys on the field." On improving his hitting and if that is what will get him a roster spot: "I just have to go out and do it. If you can hit you will be in the big leagues. I am still playing baseball for a living, that what I always wanted to do." Desmond is working out in Sarasota, Florida and will relocate to Viera this week to be at spring training as everyone arrives. Ian also wants the Saints to win Super Bowl XLIV today and is a big fan of quarterback Drew Brees. He had Brees on his fantasy team, so he had a pretty good year all the way around.