Back from hibernation, Andrus sporting beard

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A photo-copied drawing of Abraham Lincoln was hanging from Elvis Andrus' locker when he showed up in the clubhouse on Wednesday. There was also a one-word editorial on what someone thought of Andrus' new beard.

It was not a positive review, but Andrus doesn't mind that his beard is being compared to the 16th President of the United States.

"It's good to be compared to a president," Andrus said. "It's a little love from my teammates. It's a beard, it's not going to bother me, a bunch of jokes. It's a good thing, guys having fun."

Andrus grew the beard because he wasn't playing winter ball in Venezuela. It's the first time he has ever skipped playing in the winter.

"I would cut my beard if it were hot," Andrus said. "But I stayed the whole offseason in Dallas, and it was really cold. When it is really cold, you have to keep as many hairs as you can on your body."

More significant than the beard is not playing winter ball. Andrus did so at the club's request. The Rangers wanted him to take the time off and rest his body.

"It felt like [the offseason] was twice as long," Andrus said. "But I feel good. I feel rested. I feel a lot of energy."