Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond and center fielder Denard Span celebrate their back-to-back home runs in a win over the New York Mets. (Associated Press photo)
Washington Nationals' Adam LaRoche (25) is greeted by Ian Desmond (20) and teammates after hitting a solo home run off of New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler in the second inning of a baseball game at Citi Field on Sunday, June 30, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)
Ian Desmond's solo home run in the seventh inning Friday night, his 12th homer of the season, stood up as the game-winner in the Nationals' 2-1 victory over the Rockies. (Associated Press photo)
Washington Nationals' Ian Desmond follows the flight of his single against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Denver, Thursday, June 13, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper runs towards home to score a run on a single hit by teammate Ian Desmond during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park on Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Washington's Ian Desmond draws a walk during the fourth inning of Monday's 2-0 Opening Day victory over the Marlins at Nationals Park. Desmond said he is in no hurry to sign an extension, but now that Texas' Elvis Andrus — a fellow shortstop — has a new $120 million deal, there is a baseline for future negotiations. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) is walked in the bottom of the 4th inning as the Washington Nationals play the Miami Marlins on opening day at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., Monday, April 1, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Harper has matured since he joined the Nationals in 2011, but shortstop Ian Desmond says "he hasn't really changed the way he plays." (The Washington Times)
Washington Nationals' Ian Desmond, right, turns Houston Astros' Rick Ankiel's hat backwards during batting practice before an exhibition spring training baseball game Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) catches a fly ball as the Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves during spring training at Champion Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla., Tuesday, February 26, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) hits as the Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves during spring training at Champion Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla., Tuesday, February 26, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)