Rangers Andrus in much different spot with Beltre retired
SURPRISE, ARIZ. (AP) >> Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus prepared for the first full- squad workout at a different locker than in past springs.
Now 30 and going into his 11th season, Andrus is in a much different place than just his spot in the clubhouse.
With star third baseman Adrian Beltre now retired, Andrus will be assuming a bigger leadership role on a team with a lot of 20-something position players in the lineup with him.
“It’s something as a player, when you get more years and more experience, you’re looking forward,” Andrus said Monday. “I think this is a natural to happen, be able to lead guys and help them.”
Like Beltre did in Texas the past eight seasons, while also preparing the shortstop for this expanded role.
Andrus has been with the Rangers longer than anyone else on the roster, a distinction he held even when Beltre was on the team. Andrus is the only player remaining from their consecutive World Series teams in 2010 and 2011.
Beltre announced his retirement in November, ending his Hall of Famecaliber career after 21 seasons with four teams. The four-time All- Star and fivetime Gold Glove winner had 3,166 career hits with 477 home runs. His only World Series appearance came in 2011, his first season with Texas.
“When you’re missing that, it’s tough,” Andrus said. “For me it’s impossible to try and get in his shoes or somebody else try to wear his shoes. ... It’s time for everybody to step up and take the next step.”
This is the first Rangers spring Andrus will go through without either Beltre or Michael Young, the franchise’s career hits leader who moved from shortstop to third base when Andrus was a rookie a decade ago.
That new locker for Andrus is the one that Beltre occupied, and Young had before that.
Young is still around the team as a special assistant in the front office. Slugging outfielder Joey Gallo said he’s trying to convince Beltre to come visit the team in Arizona for at least a weekend.