Kinsler Is Getting the Job Done

Ian Kinsler is giving Phillies' Chase Utley a run for his money in the "best second baseman in baseball" category in 2009.

After a ridiculous start to the season, Kinsler slowed down a little. But after a two home run effort in Friday night's 10-8 win against the Angels, Kinsler showed he is not done.

The three RBIs were crucial to the Rangers' win; however, the most gratifying part of Kinsler's game were the two stellar plays he made using his glove.

The first was in the eighth inning, starting the double-play with two men on and one out. The second was a force out in the ninth with two on and two out, with just a two run lead to end the game.

Kinsler not only had a good game, but is having a solid season so far and shows no signs of letting up.

Kinsler is tied for second in the American League in home runs with 11, and so far his .983 fielding percentage is the best in his young career. In his fourth season, all his talent is coming to fruition.

This couldn't be happening at a better time for the Rangers.

With the win, the Rangers took a 2.5 game lead over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and are proving with every game that they might be as good as advertised.

Now, even if Texas loses the final two games of the series, the Rangers will remain in first place.

Pitching is finally not a weakness, fielding is not a weakness, and offense is certainly not a weakness. It is still May, but Kinsler and the Rangers could be the real deal in '09.