With new locker location, Desmond ready for opening day

To begin 2015, there are some subtle changes to the makeup of the Nationals and the way things look in the clubhouse.

First baseman Adam LaRoche has moved on to the Chicago White Sox. Sporting a new haircut and thicker goatee, veteran shortstop Ian Desmond has moved his clubhouse locker location over to the stall previously occupied by LaRoche. He is now right next to Tyler Moore and closer to Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman. Bryce Harper's locker is now to his right.

Desmond remembers when he used to reside on this side of the clubhouse back in his early days with the club.

"Actually where I started in my career," Desmond said. "I don't know if you guys remember, but I was over here in 2009 and 2010, bounced over the other side for a little while. Decided to come back and hang with the boys. Come a long ways since then."

It kind of makes sense to in another way. Desmond is considered to be a team leader in many ways, and just like LaRoche, more often than not would always talk after games, win or lose.

But as for the guys around him, and the expectations for the defending N.L. East champions, not much has changed with the Nationals' focus.

"Same old, same old, really," Desmond said. "We got a good rotation last year. We dealt with a little bit of injuries last year, high expectations last year. We have been here done this. Time for ... let's go."

Last season, the team began the campaign in New York, and it was a bit chilly as one would come to expect on opening day: 44 degrees and 20 mph winds at Citi Field.

This year will be markedly different with weather forecasts calling for 75 degrees and partly sunny skies on opening Monday against those same New York Mets, this time at Nats Park. For a guy from Sarasota, Fla., that is just what he likes.

"I am still trying to wrap my head around this weather," Desmond said. "This is my kind of April weather - 70s on Monday. We are excited. It's going to be a fun year and no better way than to start than some warm weather."

Last season, the Nationals lost catcher Wilson Ramos to a hand injury on that first day. This season, the team could begin Monday without starters Jayson Werth (shoulder surgery), Denard Span (core muscle surgery) and Anthony Rendon (sprained left knee) unavailable. Desmond is not overly concerned.

"We're experienced in that department I guess you could say," Desmond said. "It's a testament to the depth in the organization. I feel like everyone's ready to rise to the occasion."