I think with Desmond, the organization set the expectations way too high, so may people were disappointed when he didn't even come close to those expectations. The system is barren of MIF prospects, as has been pointed out many times, so giving up on the kid before his team control runs out would be an unwise decision. Also, he was touted for his defensive ability most of all and has not really lived up to that billing. This season is the first in which he has put up respectable numbers in which anyone would be able to envision him as a part of the Nats future. I don't think it is unreasonable that people became disillusioned with a player that has had a .688 career minor league OPS in 6 seasons and has struggled with fielding. Hopefully all the struggles he has gone through have paid off and he has grown as a player, and it seems that he has finally broken the wall. He was a late bloomer and I think a lot of people are going to start respecting his talent and ability again.
