Daniel Descalso’s leadership could lead to coaching career

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DENVER — The 2016 season has been a complete turnaround for Rockies utility man Daniel Descalso. After signing a low-dollar contract with the Colorado Rockies in the offseason before 2015, Descalso struggled mightily in his first year at altitude, causing many in Colorado to wonder why those in St. Louis loved this guy so much.

He has been quite a bit more valuable on the field in 2016 but — as much as some hate to include such things in conversation — Descalso has always been more than what he does between the lines.

“He has a great pedigree, he’s played in the postseason, played in the World Series,” says manager Walt Weiss, “And that goes a long way in that clubhouse. Guys understand how hard it is to get there. He’s a winning player, he’s got a winning attitude, he’s a leader … so, his value goes way beyond the stat sheet. ”

Thre night before Weiss shared these sentiments, Descalso had walked-off on the San Diego Padres, capping an exciting Rockies comeback. “They’ve been a team that has caused us problems and they also haven’t blown any leads coming into tonight going into the ninth inning,” he said afterward showcasing that no matter the circumstances he does his homework.

His complete cerebral understanding of what had just unfolded — and really of the season overall — led me to ask Weiss the next day if Descalso might make a good coach or manager one day.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he replied. “I think he’s definitely cut from that mold. He’s one of those guys that has obviously been a student of the game. He’s a smart player. He played at a small school, UC Davis, and has probably always had to prove himself and overachieve to some degree but he’s put together a nice Major League career.”