RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target as MI in late rounds
ANALYSIS: Marcus Semien should see consistent playing time in Oakland (unlike during his tenure with the White Sox), not only due to his position versatility, but also because of Oakland’s glaring need for middle infield help.
Semien’s major league stolen base numbers don’t jump off the page, but in 2013 in Double-A, he swiped 20 bags in just 105 games. In his 255 plate appearance in 2014, he had a 27.5% strikeout rate. However, in the minors, he never had a season with a strikeout rate above 16%. Plus, 57 of his 80 strikeouts came in the first half of the season.
Semien has a great opportunity to exceed his draft value for 2015, especially with his average draft position in the mid-260s right now. He has a clear path to playing time and should steal at least 15 bases, hit for a solid average and be above-average in runs scored. If he’s available late in your draft, don’t be hesitant to stash him on your team as a nice middle infielder.
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