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In case you somehow did not know, Ian Kinsler is the Texas Ranger second baseman, and unless there is something that I do not know about (which is highly unlikely) he is going to be the Rangers second baseman for a long time. But there are still backups and batting orders and other things to talk about when it comes to second base, so I am going to do that.
Ian Kinsler is one of the mostt underrated second baseman in all of baseball, in my opinion. He has been good from day one, and he keeps getting better year after year. Remember when they usedtp talk about how Kinsler could make the spectacular play but he had trouble making the everyday play? Yeah, it has been a while since that has been the complaint about him. From 2006 to 2008, he made around 18 errors a season (18, 17, 18). In 2009-2010, he made 18 errors (11, 7). Granted, he did not play a full season in 2010, he still has greatly improved his defense. I like Ian in a full season to make a big difference for the Rangers in 2011. Also, Ian looks like he will be the lead off batter in 2011, which I am totally okay with. Ian in 2009, when he was the lead off guy, had 20+ HR’s and 20+ steals. He did not in 2010, in fact all of his offensive numbers were down. So far (and I know that it has only been two spring training games against the Royals) he is batting .600 with 1 double, 1 walk and a 3 run hr. Pretty good start in the lead off spot. Look for Kinsler to have a great season at the plate. And who will be backing Kinsler up? Andrus Blanco and Michael Young. Blanco did a great job when Kinsler missed time in 2010. In fact, he did so well that Christian Guzman,who they brought in to take Kinlser’s place, barely got any playing time because Blanco did so well. And we all know the type of player Michael is. I look for Young to be the key to why the Rangers get back in the post season in 2011. He, backing up 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will mean that the talent level will not drop like it usually does when you have your backup come in. Mike is still a very capable player, and the controversy, at least publicly, seems to be behind him and the Rangers. Second base is covered for the 2011 season. Up next: Shortstop.
