Kinsler CAN Hit Leadoff

With just more than a week to go before Jon Lester takes the mound and Chuck Morgan's voice booms over the PA at Rangers Ballpark, "now leading off for your Texas Rangers, second baseman, Ian Kinnnnsler", the new Rangers leadoff man is looking the part.

Many, including yours truly, questioned why Ron Washington wanted to move Elvis Andrus back to the No. 2 hole after a breakout year last year and a phenomenal postseason in the leadoff role in favor of Kinsler, who at times in his career has suffered from pop-up-itis and swing-at-first-pitch-enza.

But so far, if this spring is any indication, Kinsler is ready to be a quality top-of-the-order guy who could go back to his days as a 30-30 guy like in the 2009 season when he hit 31 bombs and stole 31 bags.

This spring, Kinsler has even outdueled the star of the spring, Chris Davis.

Kinsler is hitting .370, leads all regulars with a .473 on-base percentage (compared to Andrus' yucky .263) and leads the team, yes, even Davis, with a .848 slugging percentage with a team-leading five home runs.

The only question mark surrounding Kinsler is his history with injuries. Last season, he missed 59 games due to numerous injuries, but if Kinsler can somehow stay healthy and play 150 games, look out, universe.

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