Mar 27, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop
Marcus Semien(5) makes the off balance catch in front of left fielder
Adam Eaton(1) in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
For the Chicago White Sox, the future is now at second base. At least, it will be for the first week or so of the season.
With Gordon Beckham sidelined with a strained left oblique, Marcus Semien will be the White Sox starting second baseman come Opening Day. Making the Opening Day roster means that Semien has realized at least one of the goals he set for himself this season, and he hopes is the start of realizing a few more.
"“The next one will be trying to do everything I can to be a part of this team for a long time,” Semien said."
Although Semien is expected to return to a utility role once Beckham is healthy, he may not remain in that role all season. Beckham has not exactly overwhelmed during his tenure with the White Sox, posting his best season as a rookie. Should he continue to produce at his accustomed mediocre rate, Semien could conceivably step in and be the starter by the end of the year. Conversely, if Beckham gets off to a hot start and a team with a possible need a second base comes calling, Semien could get the role that way. As Dee Gordon is another thoroughly underwhelming option for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Brian Roberts of the New York Yankees has the durability of an infant, there could be a market for Beckham.
For now, Marcus Semien is slated to be the White Sox starting second baseman, at least on Opening Day. Even though Beckham will retain his job once he comes back from the disabled list, his grasp on that position may be tenuous at best, especially given his track record. With a hot start, Semien could be a step closer to achieving yet another one of his goals for the upcoming year.