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Desmond to exclusively play left field for Rangers

AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty

Ian Desmond officially inked a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Monday, and his role on the club has been clearly defined by general manager Jon Daniels.

"There is no quarterback controversy," Daniels told Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. "Elvis (Andrus) is our shortstop. This move is about 2016, about adding a winning piece (Desmond) and a winning man."

Desmond, who has just two career appearances in the outfield as opposed to 913 at shortstop, knew he'd possibly need to diversify his game in order to land a deal with a contender.

"I made the decision when the offseason began I wanted to be a part of something more than just our names on the back of our jerseys; I wanted to win," Desmond said. "I felt that if to do that, I needed to move positions, I would consider it."

Delino DeShields Jr. and Shin-Soo Choo will join Desmond in the Rangers' outfield, which will be without Josh Hamilton until at least May as he recovers from a left knee injury.

Desmond, who rejected a $15.8-million qualifying offer in November from the Washington Nationals, will earn just $8 million for his services this year.

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