Kinsler Gets Five Year Deal

[love_that_reefer]

Rangers signed second baseman Ian Kinsler to a five-year, $22 million contract with a club option for 2013. Complete terms aren't available yet, but it's known the option is worth $10 million and includes a $500,000 buyout. That would buy out his second year of free agency.

This is a hard one to call. Kinsler is a damn fine second baseman in Arlington but outside of there he is a massacre. He also doesn't do well with RISP. I do expect him to get better in that department since he is only 26. Plus this signing will only save the Rangers money in the long term. I like this one.

[Molina00]

Locking up a guy like Kinsler for only $4.4 mil a year is a steal. I seem to remember him being rather streaky last year, but he still had his first 20-20 season and has a good eye at the plate, something the Rangers need more of. Considering his age and his MLB development, he is only going to get better. Definately a good move for the Rangers.

[Roy31]

Money well spent!

[catman]

As was said, to sign this kid for $4.4M/year is a steal. He is worth the money.

[love_that_reefer]

He's worth the money as long as he's plays all his games in Arlington. On the road, he's terrible.

[browntown653]

He'll improve. A rare power hitting second baseman, a good base stealer, and just a guy I think will continue to improve. I think Texas does a nice job locking him up here.

[catman]

I don't think "terrible" is an apt description of Kinsler's play on the road. He is a very good player in Arlington and only adequate on the road. His defense is OK everywhere .977 FP, although he lead the AL in errors at 2B with 17. Here are his stats from Fox Sports: FOX Sports on MSN: Ian Kinsler - Splits