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A new meaning to "lettuce"Within minutes of him hitting a three-run jack in tonight's 11-5 romp of the Seattle Mariners (more on that, clearly), the rumors on Twitter began to fly that an extension of the 29-year-old second baseman was nearly done. Kinsler had noted disappointment that a deal wasn't done by Opening Day.
And here we are. Kinsler is a Ranger until 2017 with a five-year, $75 million deal with a team option for a sixth year. He'll make $14 million a year, which equals Robinson Cano for second basemen in the league and tops Dan Uggla's $12.4 million.
Kinsler, rather quietly, has become the Rangers' -- arguably -- best all-around player and probably one of the best players in the league. He plays a challenging infield position extremely well with fantastic range, he bats lead-off and will probably get around 90 walks. He's molded his game based on the need of the team. His plate discipline and intelligence is off the charts.
He doesn't hit for average. His .319 average in 2008 appears to be an aberration. He does hit for tremendous power. He has four extra-base hits (two homers) this season. His speed makes him a perennial 30-30 guy along with gap power. He scored 121 runs last season and there's little doubt that he could match that again.
Most of all, he's a leader. Maybe much more of a leader than Mike Young. At 29, he's an elder statesman having come up through the ranks (unlike Young, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton and others). When Hamilton found himself shitfaced at Sherlocks this off-season, who did he call? Kins. He's fucking likable as hell and that's something you can't teach in High A or instructional leagues.
But let's not confuse things here: When you say "most valuable" around the Rangers, Kinsler's name should be near the top of the list. Everything he does is better than most. He's more valuable than Young, Hamilton, Beltre, Elvis Andrus or anyone else you can name. Period.
There is zero doubt that no matter the price tag, locking Kinsler down was job No. 1.
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