With room to grow, Elvis ready to make it happen

"You learn from the mistakes, you learn from the past, and for me it's been a learning process," he said Monday. "Every year you learn something new.

"I believe that I'm getting to a point," he added with a smile, "where it's time to do it instead of just learning about it."

When asked where he can improve, Andrus responded: "Everywhere. I know that so far in my career I haven't had a career year yet. That's why I want to work harder and get after it, and that way I can maximize my qualities and my tools. So far this year, I'm in great shape and I'm feeling really well on the field, physically and mentally."

The rest of the Rangers organization carries legitimate hopes for a better Elvis Andrus. When general manager Jon Daniels is asked whether Andrus' improvements can be defensive or offensive, he replies.

"All of the above."

"We invested in him because we thought he was arrow-up. We've been encouraged this winter and this spring by the feeling that he's kind of recommitted, after last year being below his standards.

"We don't see why he can't be one of the best defensive players and baserunners in the game. He controls the bat, he can get on base, do some different things. I don't expect him to hit for power, but I think he can be an impactful player. He's a winning player."

The Rangers' $120 million investment in Andrus extends through 2022, and illustrates a firm belief in his abilities. This isn't all projection. Andrus has twice been an All-Star and in two seasons has been the shortstop for a pennant-winning team. Over the last six seasons, he is fourth in the Majors in stolen bases. He is an established Major Leaguer, but a higher level beckons.

LAD@TEX: Andrus legs out a triple to right

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With room to grow, Elvis ready to make it happen