Armed with a new three-year deal worth approximately $14.5 million -- a deal that was made official Wednesday afternoon -- Elvis Andrus vowed to continue to improve.

Andrus spoke to reporters in a conference call announcing the deal and said he feels like he's improved in his three years in the league and can get even better in the next three years. It was a sentiment shared by assistant general manager Thad Levine, who was the club's representative in negotiations with Andrus' agent, Scott Boras.

“I’m still learning every day,” Andrus said. “I think my best years are coming. I’m getting stronger. I get to know more about myself and improve my offense and defense. I’m trying to get better every year.”

Andrus, 23, had 25 errors in 2011, his highest total as a professional. He talked this past season about focusing better on the routine plays and getting that total down (as many of those errors were on bad throws). The error total can be misleading, of course. Andrus had 245 putouts and 407 assists (tied for his career high) and helped turn 102 double plays. He gets to many balls that other shortstops can't, giving him a greater chance at making an error.

At the plate, Andrus hit .279, a career-best. He had 37 stolen bases, also his highest mark in three seasons and drove in 60 RBIs, 20 more than his previous highest season (2009).

Andrus plans to report to Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 17, well early of the Feb. 22 reporting date.

"That’s something I’ve been doing the last two years," Andrus said. "I like to get there early, cool down myself and take it easy. I've talked to a few of the other guys and we like to go early and do some workouts before practice starts."

Andrus spent the offseason trying to get stronger.

"I'm trying to get stronger in every part of my body and at the same time keep my legs and all the muscles ready to go and ready to do what I like to do," Andrus said. "I’m continuing to work out and grow as a player and get in better shape every year."