Semien encouraged by new coach Washington

Semien nabs Alexei 0:46 5/17/15: Marcus Semien fields a grounder and delivers a perfect throw to Stephen Vogt to nab Alexei Ramirez at home plate ST. PETERSBURG -- Newly hired Athletics coach Ron Washington hit the ground running at Tropicana Field on Friday, wasting no time in forging a solid working relationship with shortstop Marcus Semien.

Student and teacher met for 30 minutes in the A's clubhouse to discuss how best to address Semien's defensive struggles, then hit the infield for another 30 minutes of hands-on instruction.

"It went extremely well. He's open. He's a good kid," said Washington, who believes that improved body mechanics will have a powerful impact on Semien's throwing…