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| Cardinals utility infielder Daniel Descalso made his first career start at shortstop in the Cardinals 7-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
Descalso, a natural second baseman, has filled in amicably for the Cardinals over at third base this season. But on Friday night, manager Tony La Russa asked Descalso to play a position that he never had before in the major leagues.
Descalso was fine with it.
"It's really not that big a deal," said Descalso. "I've played enough, not a lot, but I played some short in the minors. There's no point in being nervous because all that's going to do is limit your performance. At this point, I'm willing to do whatever the coaching staff asks me to do."
La Russa continues to shuffle his lineup, searching for the right kind of defense and offense to support a pitching staff that desperately needs to rest over the All-Star break. La Russa wanted to give Ryan Theriot a rest after the shortstop committed two more errors the night before.
"Ryan needed a break and Dan will play like it's the seventh game of the World Series," La Russa said.
While having Descalso at shortstop is intriguing it is unclear on how often the left-handed swinger will get a chance at the position.
Some feel that Descalso should get a better look at second base, his natural position. Descalso would offer a huge defensive upgrade and his .261 average is actually better than current starter Skip Schumaker's.
But Descalso does not care where he plays, he just wants to contribute. He will be ready to play short if La Russa asks him again.
"Let's face it, there's no way I'm about to say no."
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