MESA, Ariz. — When A’s shortstop Marcus Semien looks over to his left this season, it’ll be an unfamiliar site.
For the past three seasons, Semien had grown accustomed to Jed Lowrie manning the right side of the A’s middle infield. But with Lowrie now a New York Met after a season in which both he and Semien were finalists for the Gold Glove at their positions, Semien will have a new double-play partner in Jurickson Profar.
While the two have never played together, Semien is well aware of Profar’s game. He enjoyed watching Profar in his time with the Rangers and even recalls former A’s third base coach Ron Washington, who coached Profar during his time as manager of Texas, frequently praising the second baseman’s skills.