After 14 years at shortstop, Andrus trying to get comfortable as Sox's starting second baseman

As the off-season ended and spring training started, Elvis Andrus' pacing picked up.

"I was very anxious," he told reporters. "I thought I was going to be playing it cool and all that, but I would lie if I told you I didn't feel like, 'OK, I need to go somewhere.'"

After bring claimed off waivers from Oakland last August, Andrus played in 43 games for the White Sox and made a positive impact with his bat and glove.

That should have set him up for a multiyear deal as a free agent, but the 14-year veteran was on the market with star shortstops Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson.

The foursome all landed monster contracts while Andrus waited for a call.

It finally came last week, and Andrus is back with the Sox on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Considering he hit 9 homers and drove in 28 runs in his short stint last season, the deal looks like a bargain for the White Sox.

"It evolved over time," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "There was interest from the start in bringing him back. He knew we wanted him. He knew TA (Tim Anderson) was going to be the everyday shortstop and this was the first opportunity of his career to test free agency. He wanted to see what was available to him.

"Ultimately, he had options to go elsewhere, which he can delve into if he wishes. But I think he felt very comfortable here and liked the idea of playing with this group and playing for a team with very high expectations."

Not only is Andrus back with the White Sox, he's now the starting second base after playing shortstop his entire career.

Andrus made his first Cactus League start at second Monday against the Mariners.

"It was completely weird," he said. "The weirdest game I've played in a while. Even between innings I was like, 'What am I doing here?' But I'll get used to it for sure."

Shortstop is baseball's most difficult defensive position, so Andrus should be able to handle the shift to second with relative ease. Fortunately, there's plenty of time left in spring training to get used to his new spot.

"I need a few more games at second, but I feel good," the 34-year-old Andrus said. "I've been working really hard with Eddie Rodriguez, our infield coach. I'm not 100% comfortable at second yet but I played a lot of second base through the shift, so it's nothing crazy."

Romy Gonzalez was No. 1 on the Sox's depth chart before Andrus came back. Now, he'll be the primary backup at second base and more.

"Romy is going to move around the infield," Hahn said. "He's going to even play a little bit of corner outfield as well. He's going to be all over. He's very solid at three infield positions and we are going to get him more experience on the outfield corners as a professional and see where that leads us.

"The versatility will be a benefit to us and we think the bat will play in the big leagues."

Hanser Alberto and Leury Garcia are other options at second base for the White Sox.