Post by zpustka on Nov 8, 2007 12:09:16 GMT -5
The Texas Rangers are making a renewed effort to lock up second baseman Ian Kinsler to a contract that would keep him with the club through at least 2012.
Rangers officials met with Kinsler's representatives, Jay Franklin and Jeff Frye, last week in Arlington to discuss a five-year deal. The sides are expected to have more conversations, perhaps as early as next week.
While citing the club's policy not to divulge specifics of contract negotiations, assistant general manager Thad Levine acknowledged that renewed conversation is taking place. The Rangers tried to sign Kinsler to a long-term deal last spring, but those talks fell apart.
"We think very highly of Ian," Levine said. "We see him as part of our core now and in the future."
Kinsler, 25, has two years of experience and is not eligible for salary arbitration. Negotiating a long-term deal now would provide him with a significant short-term raise and give him long-term security. A five-year deal would give the Rangers more cost certainty during his arbitration years and buy him out of one year of free agency.
Kinsler hit .263 last season with an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .802. It ranked fifth in the American League among second basemen, behind Detroit's Placido Polanco, New York's Robinson Cano, Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Baltimore's Brian Roberts. Kinsler had 20 homers and 23 steals. It's the seventh time in franchise history a player has reached the 20-20 plateau.
"I think the team feels like there is a little more priority to doing something this time around," Franklin said. "They've talked with him about a number of different things, including leadership. They want him to step up into that role. His demeanor is perfect for that."
