Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers

May 4, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Caleb Benoit
Edited by Ryan Dodson

No second baseman has been hotter through the first month of the season than Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler, who has hit .290 with nine home runs, 24 RBI and nine stolen bases in 27 games this season. He leads the Rangers in slugging and is on pace to obliterate his numbers from a year ago.

Here's what the 24-year-old has done so far in his career, including minor league statistics:

Table: Ian Kinsler's Career Stats (2004-07)

Yr	TM	AB	R	HR	RBI	SB	AVG
2004	A/AA	501	103	20	99	23	.345
2005	AAA	530	102	23	94	19	.274
2006	TEX	474	65	14	55	11	.286
2007	TEX	86	18	9	23	4	.302

Kinsler turned in a solid rookie campaign in 2006 despite a six-week DL stint resulting from a left thumb injury. His plate discipline was impressive (40 walks/64 strikeouts), and he played better defense and got on base at a higher clip than the departed Alfonso Soriano, who was traded to the Washington Nationals.

Still, his performance left some question marks. His performance on the road (.256/.318/.355) didn't match his performance at home, and he tailed off mightily in the second half, finishing with a .267/.329/.399 performance after the break after mashing his way to a .320/.379/.553 in the first half.

But Kinsler has done his best to prove last year's first half was no fluke, and there's reason to believe his 2007 performance to-date is for real. First, his 2005 numbers back up this year's power production, especially considering Triple-A Oklahoma plays its home games in a pitchers' park. Also, Kinsler bulked up over the offseason, adding 21 pounds to his frame in an effort to increase his endurance - and second-half production.

"I focused mainly on my legs," Kinsler told MLB.com in February. "In the past I haven't done much with my legs, but I think that will help my speed and help me stay strong."

Spring training stories like this usually have to be taken with a grain of salt, but Kinsler's production appears to give it some merit. The Rangers have noticed, too, moving him out of the No. 9 hole to No. 7 against righties and No. 2 against lefties.

Fantasy owners, especially in keeper leagues, should enjoy the ride. Kinsler's past production suggests his 2007 numbers to-date are no fluke, and if his reported strength gains are for real, he could keep up a similar level of production for the long haul. Not to mention he plays his home games in one of the league's best offensive parks at one of the shallowest positions in fantasy baseball. Hold instead of selling high.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Caleb Benoit
Caleb has been with KFFL since 2007.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Brian Roberts seeing the light at the end of the rehab tunnel (05/24)
Fantasy baseball players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy football players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Dee Gordon's problems at bat (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Wil Myers, more (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Roundtable: How trade talks develop (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Tyler Clippard, J.J. Putz (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Mark Teixeira's ill beginnings (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)