SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Here's how fast Delino DeShields has been this spring: He's moved so fast and so often that even his manager has occasionally lost sight of him.

On Sunday morning, manager Jeff Banister was sure DeShields ran more often and more wildly in his first spring with the Rangers in 2015. Sure of it. Turns out he may have been half right. He's not running as carelessly as his first season.

"He was running on the first pitch every time on base," Banister said. "Now, he's spending more time reading pitchers."

And, yet, stealing more bases.

After walking twice and swiping two more bases against the Dodgers on Sunday, DeShields has 11 steals in 11 attempts this spring. That is more than double his total (five steals) from his rookie spring and four more attempts. Last spring, when he was heavier and trying to drive the ball more, DeShields was successful on just two of six attempts.

By whatever accounting the manager uses, the numbers are simply terrific. They are made greater by his penchant for walking and his willingness to use the bunt as an offensive weapon. The speed, along with improved reads, makes him a more competent outfielder.

You could make an argument that DeShields, who came to spring training with no spot on the roster guaranteed, has made more of his opportunity than anybody else. And that's a statement the manager won't contest.

"Delino has had a great camp," he said. "What we asked him to do with the body, to get back to that fast body, he's done that. But he's been more selective at the plate. He's been selective on the bases. And the part that is encouraging is the overall focus on defense. He's tracking baseballs better; he's not as reserved when going after ground balls. He's cutting balls off better.

What DeShields has really done is a bit of self-identification.

More than just lose about 15 pounds, he's maximized the ability to use his speed. He's paid special attention to pitch selectivity and bunting. It's led to the creation of early runs.

He led off the bottom of the first Sunday with a walk, then stole second. It was the third time he's led off a game this spring. He's walked to start all three games. And stolen at least one base. Sunday, he stole second and third, then trotted home on a sacrifice fly. He walked his second time up. After grounding out in his third, he bunted for a hit in the sixth.

This is who DeShields is. This is what he can do.

"Experience always helps," said DeShields, who leads the team with 12 walks. "I feel like I've always had instincts on the bases. I'm able to use those instincts and be more free on the bases. That's pretty huge. You can't be scared to run. I feel like I'm being myself. I'm not letting others determine who I am. You have to find an identity as a team, but also as an individual. I feel like I've found that."

"He's stayed focused and continued to work," Banister said. "We've seen a fresh player who has gotten himself to a good place. It's been pretty special to watch."

Even if sometimes he's moving so fast it's hard to keep up with what you are seeing.

Twitter: @EvanPGrant

On the move

Delino DeShields has taken more walks and stolen more bases this spring than in his two previous springs with the Rangers. Entering the final week of exhibitions, here's a look at how DeShields compares to the last two years:

Rangers spring training schedule

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