Kinsler deal a priority for Texas Rangers
he 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.
"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.
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