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Prospect
in the Spotlight: Ian Kinsler
by Daniel Paulling
December 22, 2004
Name: Ian Kinsler; DOB: 6/22/82; Ht/Wt: 6-0, 175; B/T: R/R; Organization:
Texas Rangers
| Team (Level)
|
G/AB
|
HR/RBI
|
AVG/OBP
|
OPS
|
|
2003 - Spokane (A)
|
51/188
|
1/15
|
.277/.352
|
.762
|
|
2004 – Clinton (A)
|
59/224
|
11/52
|
.402/.465
|
1.157
|
|
Frisco (AA)
|
71/277
|
9/46
|
.300/.400
|
.880
|
The Texas Rangers took Ian Kinsler in the 17th round
of the 2003 amateur draft. Little did they know they were getting
quite a good prospect with this choice. Usually teams are trying
to fill needs for their minor league teams, but the University of
Missouri product stood out from the rest. The Rangers drafted him
for his glove, but so far in his pro career his bat is what has
stood out quite well.
In the Texas Rangers’ A club, Kinsler only hit one home run,
but his slugging percentage was .410, meaning that he had a nice
number of extra base hits. With the Advanced A ball club in Clinton,
Kinsler caught fire. His batting average was dominating to the tune
of .402 in 59 games, along with 11 homers. His OPS was a Bondsian
1.157. Those are insane numbers, folks. In Double A Kinsler hit
.300 in 71 games with a .400 OBP. His power numbers came down a
little bit, but he at least kept hitting. He seems to be lining
up to be a good number two hitter, someone with a little pop, hits
for average, and gets on base quite a bit. Oh, and he stole 23 bases
last year, but got caught 9 times. With more experience, he will
cut down those caught stealing and increase the number of steals.
Kinsler is a good athlete, but not “toolsy,” as scouts
like to say, which means he doesn’t have the stuff to be a
prospect. He is strong for his size, runs quite well, and has a
short swing. Scouts love Kinsler because he doesn’t strike
out much and works the count very well. He hits plenty of doubles,
which are a future indicator for more home run power. His defense
has been good so far in his professional career, because of his
soft hands and fine range.
There isn’t much negative one can say about Mr. Kinsler. Scouts
say his swing sometimes gets too long, but that would be seen in
high strikeout numbers, something that he never has had trouble
with. Some people might say that he just got a little lucky this
past season, using the notion that he is more like his 2003 stats
than his 2004. I wouldn’t believe that for a second. Kinsler
is a good player and if he continues to play like this, he will
definitely be considered one of the better prospects in the Major
Leagues. And with the way Texas has been able to develop offensive
talent, I wouldn’t bet against Kinsler becoming a good player.
Scouts have compared Kinsler to be a Michael Young clone. The numbers
and position and stature all back these comparisons up. In 2005,
Kinsler will be playing in AAA Oklahoma knocking on the door. We
will most likely see him next year, but if not, we’ll see him
in 2006.
Best of luck on your baseball career, Mr. Kinsler!
Feel free to leave comments in the forums or
e-mail Daniel at daniel@athomeplate.com.
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