It looks like the Rangers offense is going to be missing an important component going forward in 2008 as
Ian Kinsler, having an offensive season to be proud of so far this season, might be
out for the rest of it with a sports hernia (ouch!)
Kinsler, an All-Star second baseman and potential Most Valuable Player candidate, did not rule out returning this season, but acknowledged he was "mentally" preparing for season-ending surgery.
"There is a lot of stuff I still wanted to accomplish," Kinsler said. "You prepare to play the whole season, and when it's cut short, well, it's not what you expect to have happen at all. I'm having a great season. I wanted to steal the MVP from [Josh] Hamilton. I guess I'll just have to do it again next year."
He could still steal the award from
Josh Hamilton, but it will now have to be off of his mantle. As much as he wanted to steal it from him, this will be a huge loss for Josh as it will be to Texas. Outside of the power numbers, Kinsler's numbers this season compare favorably with one
Chase Utley. Thanks in large part to Hamilton, Kinsler's scored an incredible 102 runs so far, and was on pace for 200 hits before the injury occurred (he has 165 to Utley's 133). To be at full strength to make a run at the award next season, the prudent thing to do might be to sit him out until then.
