By Scott Barancik, editor
Ian Kinsler, a 32-year-old second baseman who has spent his entire 8-year career with the Texas Rangers, is being traded to the Detroit Tigers for slugger Prince Fielder.
Detroit will pay the Rangers an additional $30-million to help cover Fielder’s massive contract. The 29-year-old first baseman “has seven years remaining on his $214-million, nine-year contract while Kinsler has four years on his $75-million, five-year contract,” according to CBSsports.com.
A three-time All-Star and fan favorite in Texas, Kinsler’s move to Detroit comes on the cleats of news that retired All-Star catcher and Team Israel manager Brad Ausmus will succeed Jim Leyland as the Tigers’ helmsman. He is one of only a handful of major leaguers to twice hit 30 or more home runs and steal 30 or more bases in the same season. In 2013 he hit .277 with 13 HRs and 72 RBIs while stealing 15 bases.
CBSsports.com says the trade will open up second base for Rangers prospect Jurickson Profar and will allow MVP Miguel Cabrera to move back from third base to first.
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