In a little over a month from right now, Elvis Andrus will turn the ripe age of 22. Born on August 26, 1988, Elvis is just a pup when it comes to baseball longevity. Twenty-two is awfully young to be leading the way for a contending team in baseball, but you’d never know it by watching this kids approach to the game. The Texas Rangers can do something they haven’t done in a long time. Get to the playoffs, win their division, and maybe even more. Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long.
Last year Andrus started at SS and nearly won himself Rookie of the Year honors by having a terrific season for Texas. He hit .267 with 33 steals, 40 walks and as slick a display at shortstop as we’ve seen a in long time. What a breath of fresh air. Last season, Andrus for the most part hit towards the bottom of the order and every once in awhile, made his way up to lead off or the number two spot. No problem, Andrus was here to do whatever the team needed.
The Rangers first month of this season was uninspiring to say the least. Andrus was hitting around .270 and like the team, sort of ho-hum. Not terrible but not great. Finally, Ron Washington decided to stick Elvis at lead off and leave him alone. Let the kid play and figure it out for himself. He’s going to have to perform at a high level for this team to go places. Playoffs that is!
Andrus picked up the pace with his stick in May as he ended the month hitting close to 340. More importantly, he was learning how to become an effective lead off man. He started to take pitches, extend the count, make the pitchers work and get on base. Last season, Andrus had 33 steals, 40 walks and an OBP of .329. This season thus far, Elvis has 43 walks, 23 steals and an OBP of .362. The kid is learning how to make things happen. When Elvis gets on base, he has the green light like most Rangers to run, run, and run. The combination of Andrus and Julio Borbon’s speed at the top and bottom of the lineup can be deadly. When both are clicking, this team is nearly impossible to stop.
As most players do, Andrus has had his hot weeks and of course his cold ones as well. That’s why it called a batting average. For the Rangers to succeed, having Elvis hit the ball effectively is very important. However, it’s more critical for him to understand the importance of “setting the table”for what’s behind him. The Texas Rangers would have had the first five players in their batting order in the All-Star game if Michael Young would’ve made it. That’s hard to believe and pretty damn impressive too. As long as Elvis learns to not force the issue, continue to work the counts, take pitches, accept the walk, and occasionally slap one off the wall or up the middle, this Rangers team can shock the world.
Shock the world or at least their very loyal fan base who still don’t know what it’s like to win a playoff series. NEVER, EVER have won a playoff series. Hell, I don’t think many Ranger fans can remember what being in the post season feels like. Well my friends, you best get ready for the time and ride of your life. There is nothing like your team making the MLB playoffs and tasting that post season playoff atmosphere. It’s undescribable! Seeing the pennant flags wave in the air and draped throughout the Ballpark in Arlington would be such a splendid sight. Oy vey, it would be delicious. Would be? What am I talking about? It will be delicious! It’s going to be fantastic! It’s going to be special, wild and wacky. It’s what most baseball fans around these parts have been waiting a long time for. Not just get into the playoffs, but win a series and advance to the ALCS!
Pitching and defense is always key to winning a division, getting to the playoffs and advancing forward. For the Texas Rangers its no different. The addition of Cliff Lee was genius and outright theft by Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan. Kudos gents! The remainder of the pitching staff will have to pick it up a notch as the second half works its way towards September. Hitting is not a problem for this team and won’t be all year. They have too many weapons. Young, Kinsler, Hamilton, Guerrero, Cruz, and whomever else can carry the big lumber all year. I have no doubts they will. But if I had to put my eggs in one basket from here on out, it would be in Elvis Andrus’ house. He’s the key for this team to stay on track offensively and defensively. Stay patient yet aggressive young Elvis. I’m feeling that post season baseball yumminess already.
