Andrus’ arrival signals a shift for A’s at shortstop
PHOENIX, ARIZ. » Not only will Elvis Andrus wear a different uniform for the first time in his 12year career, but he also will sport a different number, too.
Switching from the No. 1 the Texas Rangers issued a spry Andrus in his rookie year to No. 17, his father’s favorite number, signifies a turning point for the 32-year-old shortstop. For the first time, the Texas mainstay will need to learn the ins and outs of a new club — and he’s welcoming
the challenge.
“No. 1, I can turn the page from that number and use the number I always wanted to, which is 17,” Andrus said.
Andrus’ arrival signals a shift for the A’s, too. For the first time since 2015, Marcus Semien won’t be their shortstop. For whatever a mainstay amounts to in the A’s system, Semien had firmly cemented himself as one of them. A leader, a hometown hero, a player who fans got to watch rise from defensive liability to MVP finalist in 2019.
What do the A’s gain with Andrus and lose with Semien’s free agency departure to Toronto? Are the A’s better now with Andrus replacing Semien? Let’s break it down.
OFFENSE » Advantage Semien
Discipline at the plate is the common thread that ties Semien and Andrus offensively. Taking out of consideration an injury-plagued 2020 season, Andrus has maintained low strikeout rates and whiff rates since 2015 (when Statcast started recording this data).
A back injury sidelined Andrus for most of the shortened 2020 season, but the A’s would be happy with his 2019 numbers — they wouldn’t be nearly as consistent as Semien’s 2019, but helpful enough if he can get his walk rate and OBP up a bit. He batted .275 with a .313 OBP, .707 OPS and 31 stolen bases to go along with four triples in 2019.
Because he’s a perpetual threat to steal a base, Andrus is certainly in the conversation to take over Semien’s leadoff spot, too. He might not be an offensive upgrade to Semien — at least, Semien at his very best — but he’s a threat and disciplined hitter. DEFENSE » Advantage Andrus
Andrus’ priority upon entering A’s camp was to get to know Matt Chapman — his new partner on the left side of the infield.
Substituting Andrus for Semien next to Chapman has the potential to make the already-strong infield defense even better. Statistically, Andrus is a stronger shortstop with better range laterally toward third base with five outs above average in 2019, which ranks in the top 88th percentile league-wide. Semien doesn’t have strong lateral range toward third base and had negative-four outs above average in 2019.
Andrus isn’t necessarily a Gold Glove shortstop, but he has a nifty glove that could be amplified next to Chapman. He seems to know this, too. LEADERSHIP » Even
The A’s aren’t short on clubhouse leadership. Yusmeiro Petit, Chapman and Chad Pinder are among the players that others have mentioned as clubhouse leaders — all leading in different ways. Semien was a team captain over the last few years — a calming presence and union representative. More than anything, he was a friend.
Andrus is new and unfamiliar, but he’s no stranger to leading a clubhouse. He was the man in Texas.
This spring training, just a few weeks in, players are already flocking to Andrus for advice. Tony Kemp has said he’s already getting tips of the trade for stealing bases. Ramon Laureano, ever curious, was one of the first players to approach Andrus.