You’re Elvis Andrus. And this morning, you’re feeling a bit uneasy.
At least you should be.
Rangers fans were already grumbling about the former All-Star and Gold Glove-caliber shortstop last year. And that was before his historically hideous two-error, one-misplay 7th inning in the season-ending playoff loss in Toronto.
The declining player with the $118 million contract, shaky defense and increasingly harmless bat was in need of a long off-season hug.
But just when Andrus arrived for spring training in Surprise, his psychological rehab met another obstacle. Or two. Namely, Jurickson Profar’s first-pitch homer off Cole Hamels. And the arrival of Ian Desmond.
I know, I know. Profar will likely spend the season in the minors continuing his rehab from major shoulder problems and Desmond is changing positions to left field. Doesn’t change the fact that – over each shoulder – Andrus now has a competent replacement itching to take his spot in the infield.
Maybe the pressure and threat of competition will motivate Andrus to re-boot his once remarkable defense that has in recent years grown pedestrian.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
Or maybe …
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
