Tuesday, February 19, 2008 , Updated
Texas Rangers sign Ian Kinsler to 5 year, $22 million contract
Photo not provided by the Texas Rangers
Kinsler has stated he intends to use the contract money to purchase 276,843 of his rookie cards
ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers announced today that they have signed second baseman Ian Kinsler to a five-year, $22 million contract with a club option valued at $10 million for the 2013 season. If the Rangers decline the option, Kinsler would get a $500,000 buyout.
The deal comes just one year after the Rangers signed All-Star shortstop Michael Young to a five-year, $80 million extension. Young and Kinsler have anchored the Rangers' middle infield since Kinsler won the job at second two years ago.
The 24-year-old Kinsler finished 2006 hitting .286 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs and led all American League rookies with 27 doubles. His batting average dropped to .263 last season, but he had 20 home runs and 23 steals, and was one of just six AL players with at least 20 homers and 20 steals. At one point early in the season, Kinsler was neck-and-neck with Alex Rodriguez for the home run title, but faded at the beginning of summer.
Posted by Todd M.
