Rockies' Ian Desmond: Working hard on defense at first base

Desmond has worked extensively on learning his new position (first base) since signing a five-year, $70 million contract with the Rockies this offseason, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.

Analysis:

He has worked at the position this offseason, both at his home near Sarasota, Fla., and in special sessions with manager Bud Black, coach Ron Gideon, third-base coach Stu Cole and first-base coach Tony Diaz. While the Rockies' signing of Desmond with the intention of having him move down the defensive spectrum to first base has been largely criticized by analysts, the move to Colorado is excellent for his fantasy value, at least as long as he retains his outfield eligibility in 2017.