SubscribeLet the rumors begin
Now that the baseball season is over (at least for JMLs), it’s time to ramp up the speculatin’.
As mentioned previously, Brad Ausmus is interviewing for managerial positions. Maybe he’ll be joined by Ike Davis, if the Mets don’t trade him to the Miami Marlins.
Kevin Sherrington, sports columnist for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, participated in an on-line fan forum in which he suggested,in answer to a question about who would not be with the Texas Rangers in 2013:
I’d say a chance [Ian] Kinsler won’t be back. They have to find a place for Profar, and Elvis is coming off a very good year. Kinsler isn’t. In fact, his numbers this year don’t translate well for an outfielder, which is what everyone wants to do with him. I’d rather have Murphy in the OF than Kinsler. Cruz, too. And if Hamilton comes back, where does that leave Kinsler?
Evidently Sherrington isn’t a Kinsler fan: “The problem with the play of Hamilton and, at times, Kinsler was that it communicated a feeling of, ‘Eh, so what?’ I don’t think that’s their attitude internally, but the lack of accountability was stunning this season.” Personally, I find that hard to believe, that a team vying for their third World Series would have that attitude. Rangers president Nolan Ryan, perhaps looking to show free agent Hamilton the door and/or downplay his value, complained that the five-time All-Star outfielder and 2010 MVP had a bad second half because he was trying to quite his use of smokeless tobacco which messed up his concentration. Ryan would have obviously preferred that Hamilton, who has a history of addiction, continue his destructive practices until it was convenient for the Rangers. Lovely.
Anyway, I wrote a comment to the Sherrington piece on the dallasnews website:
Kinsler isn’t coming off a good year? Granted his defense isn’t the greatest by any means and his batting average was low, but he was tied for first among AL second basemen in runs, second in home runs, doubles , stolen bases, and hits, and third in OPS and RBI — and that’s in an off year. What more do you want from the guy?
I agree with your point on Kinsler, Ron. Strikes me as odd that so many in Texas wouldn’t mind drastically breaking up the offensive core of that team, Kinsler and Hamilton. Yes, it was a very disappointing end to their season and the WS window is perhaps closing a bit, but they are really the engine of that team. I understand Hamilton has off the field issues, but I still say it would be best for all parties to retain him if his contract demands are not too outrageous. Same goes for Kinsler who has a relatively affordable new 5 year deal as well. He may have to move to the outfield, however.
As for Ausmus, obviously hoping he gets the job in Boston. I think it would be a smart move for them. Also, speaking of managers, I was able to confirm that Bob Melvin does in fact have a Jewish Mom. Apparently, he doesn’t practice Judaism, but his background is not something he shies away from either, and I guess if you go by Rabbinical law you can include him if you are so inclined. Sad to see the A’s bow out to Verlander and the Tigers, but considering their payroll and talent, Melvin should be MOY by a mile, despite Showalter’s also great work with the O’s.