With Michael Young nearly locked up long-term, the Rangers are now trying to lock up his double-play partner Ian Kinsler. Kinsler would be arbitration-eligible after the ’08 season. It’s a Ranger tradition, the multiyear contract to avoid arbitration.
The outlook is good for Kinsler entering his age 25 season. He hit .286/.347/.454 as a rookie in 120 games. He spent a quarter of the season on the DL with a dislocated thumb but is ready to go this spring. The Rangers will bat him second, ninth, and occasionally leadoff. Kinsler’s PECOTA calls for a jump to .285/.345/.475 this year.
