Andrus adds more milestones to career year

ARLINGTON -- Elvis Andrus continued the best season of his career on Friday night with another pair of impressive milestones. After doubling and scoring in the first inning during the Rangers' 5-3 win, Andrus reached 300 total bases and 100 runs on the season.
The two-time All-Star shortstop has enjoyed an impressive season at the plate, especially with his newfound power. Andrus entered Saturday's game against the Athletics third in the American League in hits (189), tied for fifth in doubles (43), seventh in runs (100), tied for ninth in total bases (300) and tied for ninth in stolen bases (25). He has career highs in homers (20), doubles, RBIs (87), hits, runs and total bases this year, all while batting out of the second or third spot in the lineup -- the latter of which being very new to Andrus.
"It feels a lot sweeter this year for the way I've been hitting in front of the lineup the whole year, and actually, a lot of times hitting third," Andrus said. "For sure, you know it makes me feel really happy, really blessed, something that you can put in perspective and help me try to be better next year."
Andrus is within striking range of his second consecutive season with a .300 average, as well, entering Saturday with a .298 average. While the Rangers struggled to find offensive consistency this season, he provided a stabilizing force at the top of the lineup.
"I think that homers and RBIs and all that is going to go up and down, but a .300 mark -- as a hitter, to be able to do it is playing a lot, everything you have to do through the whole season to stay there [would mean a lot]," Andrus said. "Especially with as many at-bats as I got this year, it for sure will mean a lot, and it's something that I know I have two more games to accomplish."
Andrus is disappointed the Rangers weren't able to make a run to the postseason this season, though. Next season, he hopes to improve on his breakthrough campaign to help the Rangers return to playing October baseball.
"The main thing is winning. When you don't win, it's a disappointing year," Andrus said. "But besides that, you always have goals as a player, personally. Which if you accomplish them, you're going to be able to help the team more. Next year, I still believe that I can keep growing as a hitter and keep developing my swing like I did this year."