Elvis Andrus: No longer cold as ice

May 9, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers short stop Elvis Andrus (1) rounds third base to score in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Global Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus has finally broken out of is slump this season.   For Andrus, this has been one of the slowest starts in his career.   He has been struggling not only at the plate, but also defensively.  He has racked up 7 errors so far this season, which is probably the quickest to 7 he’s ever had in a season.

Why did Andrus start off so slow this year?  It could be because he didn’t play any offseason ball.  This was this first year that Andrus didn’t play and stayed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area instead.  It showed some in spring training when he was sore and sidelined some.

Cold as ice: Elvis Andrus finished April with a batting line of .229/.299/.305/.604.  Which was his worst April in his career.  The Rangers number 2 hitter did have flashes of his former self during April which included one 9 stolen bases and even a rare Andrus home run.  Read more here on my thoughts regarding why Elvis Andrus started off slow this season.

Demoted from the 2-hole: Ron Washington finally moved the struggling Andrus down to the 9 hole back on May 4 during the Los Angeles Angels finale.  During that day, he went went 1-3.   He spent 5 days out of the 2 spot and managed to hit safely in each of those games.    His batting average didn’t climb much.  Before the start of the Red Sox game on Friday, he was still only batting .227.

Walkup music:  Maybe it was theme for the night, but during the Colorado Rockies finale on Thursday Andrus walked up music was ‘Cold as ice” by Foreigner.

Oddly enough that music was probably picked by J.P. Arencibia and could have been used by almost everyone in the lineup.  Everyone has been batting like 9-hole hitters recently, with the exception of Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder.

Who does number 2 work for: Last night Washington finally moved Andrus back to his regular number 2 spot.   Normally on a night when Yu Darvish pitches, the Rangers offense is normally shutdown by the opposing pitcher.  But last night Andrus and the rest of the Rangers showed up and managed to give Darvish some much needed run support.   Andrus did his part and went 4 for 5, his one out was a strike out.

Anytime the camera was on Andrus, he was all smiles.  Not only was hit bat finally on fire, he defense was too.  He made several great plays to help keep the no-hitter/perfect game intact for Yu Darvish.  Too bad David Ortiz had to spoil the party in the 9th.

Maybe this last 6 games is a sign that Andrus is finally out of his slump.   My guess is it because we are a month into the season and he’s finally ready.  I think during the next offseason Andrus will do something to keep his baseball skills sharp.