Ian Kinsler - future All Star

by Walter Sobchak on Sep 8, 2007 5:28 PM CDT Comment 13 comments

40 games in a row without an error, and in 145 post-All Star Break at bats, here are the kid's stats:

.331 Average
.394 OBP
.490 Slugging
only 4 homers and 7 doubles...
8 of 10 stolen bases
27 Runs
20 RBI
only 22 strikeouts

He's on pace for at least a 20/20 season and with a full healthy year could've possibly approached 30/30 status. I can't name an AL 2nd baseman I'd rather have on my team...is Kinsler a future All Star and Gold Glover?

In addition, if Washington could work this kind of magic with Kinsler's defense and approach at the plate, can he do the same for Hank Blalock now that he's back in action?

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Slow down a bit

I like Kinsler, but he is a long way from being a gold glover. I think he can be an average to slightly above average defender, but he doesn't have the range to be a gold glover. I also don't think he ever hits 30 bombs in a season. He was red hot early in the year, but when he started trying to hit bombs he ended up dropping his average to the .220s. He needs to hit like he has in the second half, go the other way with pitches and settle for 20-25 HRs a season. We don't need him to turn into Blalock, who instead of being a .310 hitter with good power has now turned into a .260 hitter since he tries to pull everything out of the park.

by uthornfan on Sep 8, 2007 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

range

I thought Kinsler's main defensive asset was his range. Didn't Adam report a little while ago that his range numbers were the best in the league?

Based on observation, I'd say he has above average range going up the middle, and at least average range to his left.

by LukeR on Sep 8, 2007 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Range

I don't understand any of the range stats, but from watching the games he doesn't appear to have great range to me. Him and Young never get to anything up the middle. He does get to some balls that are hit to his left, so his range may be good to his left.

by uthornfan on Sep 8, 2007 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

was around in the allstar blotting for awhile I think. He could be an allstar because there isn't that many good A.L. secon basemen

by meatbonelefty on Sep 8, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

Ive been very happy with his play. Looks like he could end up at .280 with 20hr and 20steals. Thats pretty darn good for a 2nd year player that missed time with injury.

by kumar75150 on Sep 8, 2007 7:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Especially

Considering that Kinsler was a 17th-round draft pick. That's some good scouting.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Sep 8, 2007 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

I am extremely happy with his play also. I just think it is a little early to proclaim him an All-Star gold glove second baseman.

by uthornfan on Sep 8, 2007 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AL 2B

I can't name an AL 2nd baseman I'd rather have on my team...

Off the top of my head, Pedroia comes to mind; he has a .324 .390 .446 line. The only games I get to see with any consistency are the Red Sox, and he seems to handle himself pretty well with the glove. BJ Upton? Polanco has been putting up some pretty good numbers for the past couple of years, though he is certainly a bit older.

by Excel Hearts Choi on Sep 8, 2007 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Interestingly...

...before today's games, Pedroia and Kinsler each had a .281 EQA...

by Adam J. Morris on Sep 8, 2007 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'd rather have Kinsler

and im not sure if Upton will stay at 2B, so in my mind that takes him out of the conversation

by slash on Sep 9, 2007 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Upton

he's played 61 games at CF this year and 48 games at 2B. I think they've given up on Rocco Baldelli.

"This is Baseball, it ain't Golf. If you aren't cheating in baseball, you aren't trying nearly hard enough to win." - DJCahill

by Chase Irwin on Sep 9, 2007 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cano and Roberts

and there's always Cano and maybe Roberts, and I'm sure you can name a few more. I guess my point is, like the rest of the Rangers, Kinsler looked red-hot to start the season, then cooled off big time and everybody was worried about his defense and his approach at the plate. seems like he's back on track and hopefully it's due to Washington's instruction and influence and a little bit of maturity. I'd rather have Kinsler on this team than any other AL 2nd baseman (sure, I'd give in and take Utley over Ian) and I honestly do see a potential All Star and Gold Glover...early as it is

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Sep 9, 2007 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember another second baseman

for the Rangers a few years ago who developed somewhat closely to how Ian has, maybe a little less speed than Ian but.....I believe he has been a all-star as well. Hopefully they can be there together some day.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Sep 9, 2007 10:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs