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Texas Rangers 2017 Positional Breakdown: Shortstop

By Connelly Bock

Oct 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) throws out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeat the Angels 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) throws out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeat the Angels 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The American League West features some of the best the game has to offer at shortstop. Can Elvis Andrus build off a career resurgence from 2016?

Shortstops have evolved. The days of good defense and below average offensive numbers are gone. Now we have some of the best all-around players in the sport at the position.

Young phenom Corey Seager won Rookie of the Year while finishing 3rd in MVP voting a season ago. Carlos Correa won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and followed that up with a 4.9 WAR season in 2016.

Apr 10, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Hanser Alberto (left) reacts after he is unable to complete a pass to shortstop Elvis Andrus (right) to force out Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (center) during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Hanser Alberto (left) reacts after he is unable to complete a pass to shortstop Elvis Andrus (right) to force out Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (center) during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Addison Russell and Fransico Lindor are both 23-year old’s providing Gold Glove level defense and All-Star level offense. Two of the top-five prospects in all of baseball are shortstops. Both J.P. Crawford and Dansby Swanson show the potential to be superstars.

The AL West is crawling with elite shortstop talent. The Astros have Correa. The Angels have the slick fielding Andrelton Simmons. Coming off a trade and a career year, Jean Segura will start for the Mariners. Even the lowly Athletics have a 25+ home run threat in Marcus Semien. So what about the Texas Rangers?

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