Rangers' Pop-Ups Now the Most Exciting Play in Baseball

   Elvis Andrus is a kid playing a game. We're reminded of that almost every Rangers' game.
   Like when he gets a key hit in an 8-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles, as he did Monday night. Like when he over-celebrates an Adrian Beltre home run and irritates the third baseman, as he did Sunday afternoon.
   Or, even when he's monkeying around fielding a pop-up, as he does routinely these days.
   Weird game in Baltimore last night.
   Derek Holland's baby face, curled locks and grit is starting to remind me of Phil Mickelson. Scott Feldman pitched against his old team. Tom Grieve took over play-by-play duties in one inning, with Steve Busby sliding into the analyst's chair. Despite all the Roger Maris-hoopla, Chris Davis sure looked like Chris Davis, striking out in all four plate appearances. And the Rangers' offense produced six runs in the 6th, their best inning since May 16.
   Thanks to the quirky relationship between Andrus and Beltre, the game was successful, and entertaining.

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   Continuing a comedy bit they've been acting out for a couple months now, Beltre and Andrus at least pretend to fight over pop-ups to the left side of the infield. Back in May Beltre "angrily" called off Andrus, then in June faked us all out by waving his arms and pretending to catch a pop-up that landed in Elvis' glove a good five feet away.

   So last night there are two on and nobody out for the Orioles in the 3rd. Adam Jones hit a towering pop - infield fly rule was in effect, so no damage done if the ball had dropped - to the American League's Player of the Week, who easily camped under it. But here comes Elvis, smiling and giggling as he hovers over Beltre's left shoulder.
   After the catch, Beltre shot Elvis a menacing glance and Andrus, of course, just snickered his way back to shortstop.
   I did a radio show with Elvis on 105.3 The Fan all during the 2012 season, and he's a hoot. No topic off-limits. He's a blast, on the air or just goofing around in the clubhouse during Spring Training.
   Not sure I want him playing "Chicken" with a World Series pop-up but, for now, he's turned one of baseball's most routine plays into edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
   In other words, Elvis makes baseball more fun to watch. And isn't that the point?

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