Lewis had 9 K's, prolly a career high

great outing from Harrison tonight

cmon blowpen

Rangers Agree To Extend Ian Kinsler
By Mike Axisa [April 9 at 11:05pm CST]
The Rangers and Ian Kinsler have agreed to a contract extension according to Jeff Wilson of The Fort-Worth Star Telegram (on Twitter). Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports that it's a five-year deal worth $75MM with an option for a sixth year. That's $70MM in salary and a $5MM buyout of the option according to Wilson (on Twitter). Kinsler is a BBI Sports Group client.

The two sides were first said to be discussing an extension earlier in the offseason, but talks appeared to pick up steam over the last few weeks. The 29-year-old said he would prefer not to negotiate during the season, but they apparently got close enough to continue talks. The Rangers held a $10MM option for Kinsler's services next season, and Grant says that's when the extension will kick in. The deal will keep him in Texas through 2017 and possibly 2018.

Kinsler is a .276/.356/.470 career hitter, though he put together his second 30-30 season in 2011. He also walked (89) more than he struck out (71) and finished 11th in the MVP voting. Kinsler is a two-time All-Star and has thrice finished in the top 26 of the MVP voting. UZR says his defense at second has been among the best at the position over the last three seasons. It's worth noting that 2011 was the first time Kinsler managed to avoid the disabled list in his six full big league seasons.

The contract easily surpasses Dan Uggla's five-year, $62MM with the Braves and could impact extension talks between the Reds and Brandon Phillips. Cincinnati reportedly offered Phillips five years and $60MM recently. Kinsler's deal could also serve as framework for an extension between the Yankees and Robinson Cano. At $14MM per year, Kinsler's contract is largest ever for a second baseman in terms of average annual value, at least until the Yankees exercise Cano's $15MM option for 2013. Chase Utley's seven-year, $85MM contract is still the richest total deal at the position.

Going to be hard to keep Hamilton in a good mood if they don't continue to work something out with him during the season.

Probably won't get serious in negotiations with him for awhile. I remember him saying he was
going to put it off till seasons end if it wasn't dealt with by ST, but that he'd give the Rangers first
opportunity at him then.

And fuck yeah on the Kinsler deal, so glad they finally locked him up

That's good to hear. Wouldn't want him to feel like his effort is going unnoticed.

fuck yes

Kinsler is probably my favorite 2B in the league, but that deal seems like too much imo..

can put up Uggla-type power numbers with 30 SB and great defense

Fuck yeah. Finally a benchmark for Cano's extension.
I was thinking Cano was going to get something insane like $110mil.