Rangers Analysis: Morning Murmurs

Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) and second baseman Rougned Odor (12) celebrate turning a double play on San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) to end the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Elvis’ Glove Shows Up

Elvis Andrus has had a rough go so far this season defensively at shortstop, and that is putting it mildly. So far this season he has a .963 fielding percentage which would tie his 2011 season for his career worst. His 18 errors already equal the total he put up all of last season and he has started 51 less games than he did last year. But on Sunday afternoon Elvis made a couple of sensational plays to help out the Rangers and preserve the big win.

In the 4^th inning with two outs and no one on, Matt Duffy hit a screaming grounder to Elvis’ left. Elvis took a couple of steps before laying out for a full extension grab, and then quickly scrambled to his feet where he made a strong throw in time to get Duffy out. Little did we know that Elvis was saving his best for later.

In the 9^th inning with the Rangers hanging on to a one run lead, Hunter Pence stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. Hunter Pence can run pretty well, and he hit a chopper that looked to be just slow enough to score the tying run and send this thing into extras at best. But, Elvis came up and charged the ball and sent a strong flip over to Odor, who was able to take the chest high flip and fire a dart to Mitch Moreland to complete the 6-4-3 double play. It’s easy to overlook the play from Elvis, but without Elvis coming and getting that ball and delivering a perfect toss, Odor’s strong throw never happens.

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