Kinsler on Cruz: "We all love that dude"

There's been some speculation that the Rangers players would not want Nelson Cruz back on the team when he's eligible to return in the postseason, assuming the Rangers make it that far.

Ian Kinsler texted Ben Rogers and dispelled that notion:

Kinsler texts me on record re idea that clubhouse furious Nellie didn't appeal: "That's the biggest crock of bulls**t I've heard in a while"

— Ben Rogers (@BenRogers) August 5, 2013

Kinsler cont: "We are disappointed, but not pissed at Nellie. We all love that dude." Indicated they would welcome him back without question

— Ben Rogers (@BenRogers) August 5, 2013

This shouldn't really be a surprise to anyone who has followed the dynamics of this team over the last several years. This is the team that had players publicly come out to Josh Hamilton's first press conference when he came to Texas, supported him publicly after his relapses, and that stood behind Ron Washington after the news broke that he'd tested positive for cocaine.

Kinsler's comments indicate that they view Cruz as one of them, and are going to support him, much like they did Hamilton and Wash previously.