looking ahead, take 4

Desmond Jennings is in the spotlight heading into 2013. The Itawamba Community College alumnus takes over center field for the Tampa Bay Rays, replacing the departed B.J. Upton. Jennings, who has played mostly left field — and played it very well — since he crashed the big leagues in 2010, says he feels quite comfy in center. He played it at ICC and in the minors and tells mlb.com that it’s his “natural” position. The former football star (wide receiver/DB) certainly has the speed, and he has been described as “fearless” in his approach to chasing fly balls. “There’s more responsibility (in center),” Jennings said. “You’ve got to cover more ground, but it’s a position I love to play.” The Rays would love to see Jennings, also penciled in to bat leadoff again, hit a little better than his .246 average of a year ago. But there were no complaints about his base-stealing ability — 31 in 33 tries — and he flashed his power with 13 homers. Jennings, 26, is a potential All-Star, and it’s his time to shine.