The Nationals are thinking about making shortstop prospect Ian Desmond an all-purpose utility man this season. With Cristian Guzman remaining at shortstop, it was assumed that Desmond would start the 2010 campaign at Triple-A Syracuse. However, Washington is contemplating playing Desmond at all three outfielder positions, second base and shortstop. Guzman is coming off shoulder surgery and foot issues, so keeping Desmond would provide some insurance as well. "It will be determined in Spring Training," manager Jim Riggleman said. "We have to check out the health of Guzman. ... We anticipate that he will be our shortstop. "Ian is such a good athlete. It would be fairer to him to try to get him some games in Spring Training -- mix in some games in the outfield, so it's fresher to him. If he were able to make the club and play both infield and outfield, Ian would be a nice weapon to have as a double switch. We also would give [second baseman Adam] Kennedy some days off and Guzman some days off. We would be able to use Ian as a pinch-runner."