7 years agoOakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien, who is hitting .407 this spring, will likely open the season as the leadoff hitter. It is surprising, as Semien has average on-base skills (.325). Semien's goal this season will be to demonstrate that last season's power fall-off was purely because of his wrist injury. Last season, he hit 10 home runs after hitting 27 HRs in 2016. Conversely, Semien stole more bases last year (12) in 342 at-bats than he did in 2016 (10). Semien will be a cheap source of power and speed and can be selected in the latter half of the draft. Semien dealt with a wrist injury a season ago and played in just 85 games for the A's. The 27-year-old hopes to stay healthy in 2018 and looks to improve at the plate after hitting .249 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI. There's plenty of power in his bat, as he finished with 27 home runs and 75 RBI in 2016. Expect Semien to begin the season in the leadoff spot and to start at shortstop for the Athletics.--Ellis Canady - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com