Semien, who has a .346/.333./.538 line through 26 spring at-bats, is focused on getting on base more consistently in 2017, John Shea of SFGate.com reports. "You see if you can shrink the zone a little, wait for your pitch and be more patient instead of being overly aggressive and getting yourself out," Semien said. "You do that, you're probably going to walk a little more and get more hits."

EDGE Analysis

Semien experienced an impressive power surge in 2016, posting career highs in doubles (27), home runs (27), RBI (75), slugging (.435) and OPS (.735). He also set a new high-water mark with 51 walks, those came over 621 plate apperances, and he posted just a .238 average and .300 OBP, numbers that he's looking to boost significantly in the coming campaign. The slugging shorstop actually was among the more patient hitters in baseball at the plate, as the 4.16 pitches per plate appearance that he averaged ranked him ninth in the AL and 19th in the majors. However, he had a notable weakness with two-strike at-bats, particularly on full counts, a scenario in which he hit .164 and struck out 29 times. He also hit an anemic .043 on 0-2 counts, .170 in 1-2 counts and .173 in 2-2 counts, further illustrating his struggles with his back against the wall. Semien will therefore look to have greater discipline in those situations, which could propel his all-around game to the next level. "That's probably the next step for him," manager Bob Melvin said of Semien's 3-2 approach. "Obviously, he's gotten to the point where he can get into the count. It's finishing it off and maybe taking a walk and not trying to chase a pitch. Sometimes that's tough for a power guy to do."