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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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781st Post Sun Aug 17th, 2008 09:01 am | |
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This article is from espn.com:
Kinsler, Young form a close bond in middle of Rangers' infield
By Jerry Crasnick
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: August 16, 2008
Ian Kinsler and Michael Young share a baseball value system amid the double-play pivots in Texas. They believe in the sanctity of hustle, the importance of accountability to teammates and the need for major leaguers to take the field even when nagging injuries might put a crimp in performance.
But there's room for friends to disagree, and Kinsler and Young part ways on the subject of country music. Kinsler, an Arizona native, has tried to sell his teammate on the merits of artists Pat Green, Reckless Kelly and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Young, a California guy, is resistant, no matter how toe-tapping the stuff might be.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
Rangers shortstop Michael Young, center, is a mentor to teammate Ian Kinsler.
"There are some catchy little songs, but I don't know who sings them," Young said. "One time I said, 'Who's this?' and I think it was Garth Brooks, and Kins had a dirty look on his face. It was like, 'How can you not know that?'"
While the background music changes in Arlington, the story is forever the same. The 2008 Rangers lead the majors in runs and slugging percentage, but they're loitering around .500 because of a pitching staff that ranks last in the big leagues with a 5.45 ERA. Sound familiar?
Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley are enjoying huge years, but they have nothing on Kinsler, who leads the majors in runs (100), shares the major league lead in hits (162) with Boston's Dustin Pedroia and ranks among the AL leaders in doubles (40), total bases (261) and batting average with runners in scoring position (.413).
Kinsler's breakthrough season at second base is a byproduct of talent, maturity, health and, some teammates insist, a more functional approach at the plate.
"I remember last September, we were getting on him saying, 'You have to go the other way in batting practice. If you can do that in games, it's going to add 20-30 points to your swing,'" said Rangers outfielder Marlon Byrd. "Ian told us, 'I don't like going that way.' But this year, he's been doing it since spring training, and look at the results."
Few people outside of Kinsler's immediate family take more pride in his performance than Young, his pal, mentor and professional role model.
The double-play partners have a synergy that defies outward appearances. Young, 31, is soft-spoken, intense and driven, while Kinsler, 26, radiates youthful energy. Before a game in Boston this week, Kinsler was ubiquitous in the cramped visiting clubhouse at Fenway Park. One minute he was camped out at a table watching two teammates play chess. Later on he could be found in front of the big-screen TV catching Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in "The Bucket List."
Kinsler, who wore a "What's Your Shtick?" T-shirt and a Rangers cap turned backward, had unruly locks of hair poking out above his ears. If he had pulled a frog, a yo-yo and a Boys & Girls Club admittance card from his pockets, you wouldn't have been surprised.
Young, in contrast, is less a chatter and more an observer by nature. He learned the value of following the right example when he arrived in Texas in 2001 and saw Alex Rodriguez display a blue-collar work ethic despite a $252 million contract.
"Since Alex has gone to New York, people can say this or that about him," Young said. "But I don't think I ever saw him take a day off in three years. For a young player, whenever you see veterans out there getting after it, it makes a lasting impression."
In reality, these mentor-protégé arrangements can't be forced. When Kinsler arrived in Texas two years ago, Young noticed how his younger teammate exuded confidence, liked to work and seemed dedicated to improving. But Kinsler and Mark DeRosa were competing for at-bats at second base, and Young didn't want to upset the natural order of things. It wasn't until Kinsler was anointed the starter that Young dropped by his locker and dispensed a few words to live by.
"I told him, 'Listen, I believe that rookies have to learn a lot of things on their own, so I'm not going be in your hip pocket all year long or telling you what to do. But I'll be watching. And if you have any questions or you need a friend, I'll be there,'" Young said.
After Kinsler hit .263 with 20 homers last season, his bond with his double-play partner was strengthened when Young moved to Dallas in the offseason. The teammates lifted weights three times a week, played golf and watched football together on the weekends. Kinsler, who shoots in the low 80s, is five or six strokes better on the golf course. But Young, a Dallas Cowboys fan, figures they're even because of Kinsler's allegiance to the Arizona Cardinals.
"I stomp him on that one," Young said.
Texas' second baseman and shortstop are borderline inseparable these days, whether they're eating breakfast on the road or playing dominoes in the clubhouse. Young wears uniform No. 10 and Kinsler is No. 5, and that's generated a few "Nickel and Dime" references. But their teammates' joking goes only so far when Kinsler freely admits that he's glued to Young's side.
"People give him crap all the time," Byrd said. "But what better guy to follow than Michael Young?"
People give him crap all the time. But what better guy to follow than Michael Young? 
--Rangers outfielder Marlon Byrd on teammate Ian Kinsler
The Rangers envision Young as a role model for all their young players, for obvious reasons. He's played both second base and shortstop in Texas, based strictly on the team's need. Young has five straight 200-hit seasons on his résumé, and he's missed only five games this season despite two broken fingers, a groin injury and a bad Achilles.
More than anything, Young's metronomic consistency allows him to take everything in stride. Whether Kinsler is trying to work his way out of a slump or wants to maintain a hot streak, he gravitates to Young for advice.
"We'll sit down after a game after I've gone 0-for-5 two nights in a row, and I'll be like, 'What the hell am I doing?'" Kinsler said. "Mike might say something like, 'Just keep swinging.' It sounds simple, but I have to listen to him, because he knows."
Kinsler hasn't encountered many potholes this summer on his way to his first All-Star team. Byrd recently became aware of Kinsler's burgeoning popularity when he switched on the Little League World Series and one of the young participants listed Kinsler as his favorite player in his personal profile. That's when you know you've arrived.
It's hard to tell when a new legion of fans might jump on board. Kinsler is half-Jewish (on his father's side), and while he never had a Bar Mitzvah or considered himself observant in the faith, his background has helped elevate his profile in the Jewish community.
"If you have any kind of Jewish ancestry attached to your name, people are going to notice it," Kinsler said. "Whenever we're in New York, Boston or Chicago, I always get some kind of question about it."
Barring a surprise, he'll be in Texas for a good long time. In February, the Rangers signed Kinsler to a five-year, $22 million contract with a club option for 2013. Young advised Kinsler to keep his emotions out of the process, and their wives conferred numerous times along the way.
Although Kinsler has 100 runs scored and 25 steals out of the leadoff spot, the Rangers are convinced he could be equally productive as a middle-of-the-order bat. When Kinsler told the Rangers during contract discussions that he could be a 30-30 man, there wasn't a trace of swagger in the pronouncement.
"It's not cockiness," said Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine. "Ian really believes in himself."
This winter, Kinsler might have to survive with more sporadic tandem workouts. He and his wife, Tess, are expecting their first child in November. Kinsler has already solicited a few parenting tips from Young, who has a 3-year-old son. "Catch up on your sleep," Young told him.
To those who suggest that Kinsler is a budding version of his role model, feel free to try again.
"He's not a little Michael Young," Byrd said. "He's a big Ian Kinsler."
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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782nd Post Sun Aug 17th, 2008 04:38 pm | |
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Justin Smoak will play for Clinton.
Stars of the Day:
Oklahoma: Yukinaga Maeda / Chris Shelton, Ryan Roberts, John Mayberry, Kevin Richardson
Frisco: Michael Schlact, Brandon Puffer / Chad Tracy
Bakersfield: Josh Lueke, Josh Giles / Chris Gradoville
Clinton: Adelberto Flores / Engel Beltre, Matt Lawson, Mitch Moreland, Miguel Alfonzo, Andres James
Spokane: Juan Peralta / Jason Ogata
Arizona: James McGraw, Johan Yan
AAA: at Oklahoma 7, Omaha 3
Win: Ballard (2-3, 8.89)
Save: Diaz (2, 6.52)
Chris Shelton drew three walks off Jimmy Gobble and his friends, and Shelton’s teammates had six more. Mike Ballard, on the other hand, allowed nine hits (including two solo homers) in five innings but walked none and struck out five. He departed with a 7-3 lead that didn’t budge. Yukinaga Maeda tossed 2.2 scoreless innings.
John Mayberry (.273/.324/.483 in AAA) clubbed two doubles. Ryan Roberts doubled and singled, and Kevin Richardson (.249/.332/.408) walked twice and doubled.
AA: at Frisco 3, NW Arkansas 2
Win: Puffer (7-0, 4.10)
Save: Laughter (9, 3.00)
His arm rested after nearly three weeks off, Michael Schlacht yielded a run in five innings on four hits, two walks and two strikeouts. Brandon Puffer provided a scoreless 6th and 7th as Frisco took the lead for good on Chad Tracy’s two-run homer, his 2nd in AA and 15th of the season. Julio Borbon went 2-4, Elvis Andrus 1-3 with a walk.
High-A: at Bakersfield 1, Modesto 3
Loss: Kiker (5-4, 4.18)
Kasey Kiker struck out five in five innings but surrendered three runs on three hits and three walks. The Joshes Lueke and Giles each produced two scoreless innings.
Chris Gradoville had three of Bakersfield’s five hits and will need a suitcase to carry all the stars he’s earned in August.
Low-A: at Clinton 9, Peoria 5
Win: Main (2-1, 2.60)
Two solo homers in the 7th put a damper on Michael Main’s otherwise stellar performance. Entering that inning, Main (8% BB rate, 25% SO rate) had allowed two runs (one earned) on another solo homer while walking none and fanning eight. Adelberto Flores pitched the final 2.1 innings without trouble and struck out three.
Engel Beltre’s 4-5 with a double and three RBI led Clinton’s 15-hit attack. Matt Lawson also plated three on two singles and double. Mitch Moreland (.321/.406/.528 in August) singled and hit his 15th homer; his 88 RBI leads the Midwest League with ease. At the bottom of the order, Miguel Alfonso singled and doubled, and Andres James singled and tripled.
Short-A: Spokane 1, Salem-Keizer 3
Loss: Ramirez (1-1, 3.38)
The control issues that troubled Neil Ramirez earlier in the season recurred on Saturday. Ramirez walked a career-high five, hit a batter and allowed three hits, though only one runner scored in 2.2 innings. He has a terrific 27% SO rate, but another 19% have reached on walks or HBPs. Even so, opponents have only a .326 OBP against him because of his ability to induce weak contact (or none at all).
The Volcanoes plated two on Cliff Springston in 2.1 innings, then Juan Peralta pitched three scoreless innings. Spokane’s only hit came on Jason Ogata’s 5th-inning solo homer, his 2nd.
Rookie: Rangers 6, Padres 9
Loss: Nelo (1-3, 4.73)
Johan Yan (.246/.319/.357) belted a three-run homer in the 4th, his first of the year. LF James McGraw (.302/.422/.340) doubled and singled. RF Aja Barto gunned down two runners at the plate (with an assist from 2B Alejandro Selen on the 2nd).
Hector Nelo (2 IP, 3 R) and Eric Evans (1.1 IP, 5 R) has forgettable evenings. Ben Henry (4.06 ERA, 1.78 WHIP) walked three and unleashed two wild pitches in 3.2 innings, but only one scored against him, and Robert Wilkins had a scoreless 8th.
Scott Lucas
newbergreport.com
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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783rd Post Mon Aug 18th, 2008 01:55 pm | |
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According to several local reports, when Hank Blalock returns to the active roster (presumably within a week, after a brief rehab assignment with Frisco), he'll settle in as the starting first baseman, and Chris Davis will slide across the infield to third base.
The objective to get Blalock's bat into the lineup, as his right shoulder is still sore enough to impair his ability to make throws across the infield.
Jon Daniels says the move will last for the remainder of the season.
Jamey
Last edited on Mon Aug 18th, 2008 01:55 pm by Ric
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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784th Post Mon Aug 18th, 2008 03:24 pm | |
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I like this move...if Crush does well at 3B defensively, then this is a win win for this year and next...
Harrison looked like he "got it" on Saturday night...still think Hurley will be the same when he gets back...saw where Nolan was supposed to get more involved in the pitching strategy for the franchise...good...
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I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Mark
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785th Post Mon Aug 18th, 2008 11:55 pm | |
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Burley Glen wrote: Harrison looked like he "got it" on Saturday night...still think Hurley will be the same when he gets back...saw where Nolan was supposed to get more involved in the pitching strategy for the franchise...good...
McCarthy has been dominating triple A hitters in his rehab assignment since his throwing session with the team president.
All young pitching staffs go through growing pains. It happened with the Indians before they had their run. It happened with the Rays the last couple of seasons and look at them now.
The future here is very bright.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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786th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:26 am | |
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Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: Harrison looked like he "got it" on Saturday night...still think Hurley will be the same when he gets back...saw where Nolan was supposed to get more involved in the pitching strategy for the franchise...good...
McCarthy has been dominating triple A hitters in his rehab assignment since his throwing session with the team president.
All young pitching staffs go through growing pains. It happened with the Indians before they had their run. It happened with the Rays the last couple of seasons and look at them now.
The future here is very bright.
You are correct sir...
I had forgotten about those last two starts for McCarthy...
It was just a couple of short years ago when the Rangers pitching hopes were on DVD...Now, is is MUCH more than just three...Led by McCarthy, Harrison, Hurley, and even Hunter (watch his stuff, if he cuts down the mistakes, look out)...Then there's Holland, Kiker, Beaven, and the phenom of the minors this year, Netfali Perez...and don't give up yet on Diamond and Luis Mendoza..Will they all make it? Nope...will some? most likely...any way you look at it, this is the deepest the Rangers have EVER been in minor league pitching...
And for some who may think this is just spouting Jamey Newbergisms, I challenge you to read BA, ESPN.com, MLB.com, and any other baseball place that looks at the minors...it's pretty much a consensus...
____________________
I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Mark
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787th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:39 am | |
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| Don't forget about Madrigal, the closer of the future.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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788th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:47 am | |
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Well, shishkabobs....
Sorry if the last email came across garbled. Ian Kinsler will miss at least a couple weeks and could be out for the season with a sports hernia.
Jamey
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Sent from a PDA. Forgive the brevity.
____________________
I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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789th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:49 am | |
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Mark wrote: Don't forget about Madrigal, the closer of the future.
yes, I was sticking to starters...I almost forgot Mathis, AJ Murray, and Nippert has some stuff (when he can find the plate)...
____________________
I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Mark
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790th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:55 am | |
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Burley Glen wrote: Well, shishkabobs....
Sorry if the last email came across garbled. Ian Kinsler will miss at least a couple weeks and could be out for the season with a sports hernia.
Jamey
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Sent from a PDA. Forgive the brevity.
That sucks. It looks like Arias is on his way up to replace him.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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791st Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:04 am | |
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Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: Well, shishkabobs....
Sorry if the last email came across garbled. Ian Kinsler will miss at least a couple weeks and could be out for the season with a sports hernia.
Jamey
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Sent from a PDA. Forgive the brevity.
That sucks. It looks like Arias is on his way up to replace him.
REally? I kinda welcome that. He seems to have been overlooked now that Elvis is in the system...maybe he can show something...
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Mark
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792nd Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:24 am | |
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I don't mind looking at Arias, but it sucks that Kinsler is injured.
Arias has been here for how long, 3 years? I hope that he shows us something, but I am betting that he is more a product of the Yankee hype machine than anything else.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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793rd Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:29 am | |
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Mark wrote: I don't mind looking at Arias, but it sucks that Kinsler is injured.
Arias has been here for how long, 3 years? I hope that he shows us something, but I am betting that he is more a product of the Yankee hype machine than anything else.
Does suck about Kinsler...
Yep, 3 years, but he was in A ball when he got here, and lost one year to injury...
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LEB
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794th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:34 am | |
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Burley Glen wrote: Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: Harrison looked like he "got it" on Saturday night...still think Hurley will be the same when he gets back...saw where Nolan was supposed to get more involved in the pitching strategy for the franchise...good...
McCarthy has been dominating triple A hitters in his rehab assignment since his throwing session with the team president.
All young pitching staffs go through growing pains. It happened with the Indians before they had their run. It happened with the Rays the last couple of seasons and look at them now.
The future here is very bright.
You are correct sir...
I had forgotten about those last two starts for McCarthy...
It was just a couple of short years ago when the Rangers pitching hopes were on DVD...Now, is is MUCH more than just three...Led by McCarthy, Harrison, Hurley, and even Hunter (watch his stuff, if he cuts down the mistakes, look out)...Then there's Holland, Kiker, Beaven, and the phenom of the minors this year, Netfali Perez...and don't give up yet on Diamond and Luis Mendoza..Will they all make it? Nope...will some? most likely...any way you look at it, this is the deepest the Rangers have EVER been in minor league pitching...
And for some who may think this is just spouting Jamey Newbergisms, I challenge you to read BA, ESPN.com, MLB.com, and any other baseball place that looks at the minors...it's pretty much a consensus...
If just two of these guys can become dependable starters for Texas, that would be good.
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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795th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:39 am | |
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| oh yeah...would have to put Feldman in there as well...he's only 25...
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Mark
member
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796th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:46 am | |
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Burley Glen wrote: oh yeah...would have to put Feldman in there as well...he's only 25...
Yep, and he is producing NOW.......probably the most dependable starter on this year's staff.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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797th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 01:53 am | |
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Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: oh yeah...would have to put Feldman in there as well...he's only 25...
Yep, and he is producing NOW.......probably the most dependable starter on this year's staff.
yes...bad outing last time, but most have been very consistent...tonight starting out well...
It's hard to believe Blalock is only 27...
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LEB
Member
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798th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 02:02 am | |
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Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: oh yeah...would have to put Feldman in there as well...he's only 25...
Yep, and he is producing NOW.......probably the most dependable starter on this year's staff.
More dependeble than Padilla? 
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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799th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 02:09 am | |
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LEB wrote: Mark wrote: Burley Glen wrote: oh yeah...would have to put Feldman in there as well...he's only 25...
Yep, and he is producing NOW.......probably the most dependable starter on this year's staff.
More dependeble than Padilla?
Consistency probably pretty close...Padilla can be MUCH more spectacular, no doubt...Last edited on Tue Aug 19th, 2008 02:10 am by Burley Glen
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I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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800th Post Tue Aug 19th, 2008 02:22 am | |
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| And Arias is only 23...still really young for a shortstop...
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I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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