Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien has committed four errors in his last 18 games. That might not seem like a positive development, but it is considering his previous struggles.
Semien made 12 errors in May and leads the majors this season with 22. But new infield instructor and former Rangers manager Ron Washington sees vast improvement during daily drills he runs with Semien that take precedence over work in the batting cage.
"I'm with him every day and I see the progress he makes," Washington told csnbayarea.com. "I'm sitting up there wanted balls to go to him because I want him to play the ball."
Semien appears more relaxed in the field and has been more adept converting routine plays. His throws are more forceful and accurate. Bob Melvin has noticed.
"We all know he has the ability to do it, and he's showing more consistency," Melvin said. "He just looked more confident, and I think success breeds confidence."
The improvement would be impossible if Semien allowed the errors to wreck that confidence. But that has not been the case.
"You pay attention to it, everybody does," he said. "But you just have to move on, be mentally tough and want the next ball hit to you no matter what. ... That's the professional mindset. That's what we're here to do, is bounce back from mistakes."