Elvis Andrus

2013

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2012

Andrus improved upon his 2010 season, adding 60 points of slugging and cutting back on his strikeouts while posting a career-high 87 percent contact rate, but there's still little value here beyond his stolen-base totals. It's worth noting that Andrus' plate discipline improved as the season progressed and he actually walked more than he struck out (35:29 BB:K) after the All-Star break. Those in more advanced leagues that count OBP and SLG need to knock Andrus down several notches, though he should still be among the American League's best at the position regardless of your scoring system.

2011

Andrus followed his rookie campaign with another solid season, scoring 88 runs, swiping 32 bases and drawing 64 walks as a 21-year-old. Elvis never left the building, however, failing to hit a home run in 588 at-bats and seeing his modest power all but evaporate (just 18 extra-base hits all season, resulting in a .301 slugging). His numbers after the All-Star break (.247/.318/.274, 23 walks and six extra base hits in 259 at-bats) were a marked drop from his early-season numbers, and there's some thought that pitchers will start pounding the strike zone against him since there's no real threat of anything more damaging than a single. He'll have solid value in traditional 4x4 or 5x5 leagues with his stolen-base potential at a scarce position, but those in more advanced leagues that count OBP and SLG want to be careful here.

2010

Andrus took over as Texas' everyday shortstop following the team's request to have Michael Young shift to third base last January. His .702 OPS left something to be desired, but his 33 steals and 72 runs scored offered plenty of value in an eroding shortstop position in the AL. His road numbers (.238/.294/.325) were poor, but he showed some growth as the season progressed (.737 OPS post-break). He'll hit ninth in the order again in 2010 with Julio Borbon and Ian Kinsler slotted atop the Texas lineup, but he more than held his own making the jump from Double-A as a 20-year-old, and the future appears bright.

2009

Andrus still has some problems to iron out (too many strikeouts, not much power) but it's hard to get too picky when a 19-year-old spends the year at Double-A and doesn't get buried. He swiped 54 bases in 70 attempts, and managed a nice .295/.350/.367 line over the course of the season. The power should start to come as he fills out. He'll see some time at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, and could see a September callup as a result.

2008

Andrus was acquired in the trade that sent Mark Teixeira to Atlanta, and gives Texas a legit shortstop prospect again now that Joaquin Arias has continued to fade. Like Arias before him, Andrus' numbers on the surface appear to be lacking (.244/.330/.335 at High-A Myrtle Beach), but start to look a bit better when you consider Andrus just turned 19 years old in August. He hit well, albeit with little pop, during the Arizona Fall League (.353/.411/.471) and should see time at Double-A Frisco in 2008.

2007

Andrus' numbers at Low-A Rome (.265/.324/.362) may not seem that impressive, until you realize he was just 17 years old. As a result, he's considered the top shortstop prospect in the Atlanta system. He's already got a strong glove and scouts think he'll continue to improve at the plate due to his athleticism. He's several years away from making an impact, but a long-term keeper to grab.

2006

Andrus hit .295/.377/.398 at just age 17 in rookie ball and is seen as a polished fielder. Given his age and high ceiling, he has climbed quickly on many prospect charts. He's a few years away from making an impact at the major league level, but could rise rapidly in the system.