by Sports Xchange

Though he played 20 more games than any other rookie in the American League, shortstop Elvis Andrus finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. The Rangers have now gone 35 years since first baseman Mike Hargrove won the award in 1974. They have gone longer than any team in baseball without winning.

In fact, Andrus was the Rangers' first second-place finisher in that time. Oakland closer Andy Bailey picked up 88 points and 13 first-place votes; Andrus received eight first-place votes and 65 total points.

Manager Ron Washington disagreed with the outcome.

"For him to finish second is an injustice," Washington said. "I know Bailey did a great job, but he certainly didn't do a whole lot to help his team win. Elvis played every day. He held our defense together. He got big hits. He did a lot of good things. I may be biased, but he deserved to win."

Though he didn't turn 21 until August, Andrus hit .267 with a .329 on-base percentage and 33 stolen bases. He improved offensively as the season went on, the mark of a mature rookie. Where Andrus really shined was in his value to the team's defense. With Andrus at short and Michael Young at third, the left side of the infield was air-tight. The Rangers allowed 200 fewer runs and 200 fewer hits than in 2008.

Andrus' range, athleticism and arm allowed the Rangers to get to more balls. His uncommon refinement as a player allowed him to make more plays. Over the last 25 years, six rookie shortstops have handled more total chances than the 690 Andrus handled and had a higher fielding percentage than Andrus' .968. Five -- Walt Weiss (1988), Derek Jeter (1996), Nomar Garciaparra (1997), Angel Berroa (2003) and Bobby Crosby (2004) -- won the Rookie of the Year. Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki (2007) finished second. To Ryan Braun.

"I don't feel disappointed," Andrus said. "It was a close race. Andrew Bailey is a great player. They decided to give it to him. I feel great. This year was amazing for me. I really appreciate just being in the race."