Ian Kinsler excited about Detroit Tigers

Sep 30, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler hits a RBI single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

In what was easily the biggest deal of the offseason, the Detroit Tigers shipped first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Ian Kinsler.

The Tigers want to make Miguel Cabrera a full-time first baseman to protect him from injuries and saw the opportunity to land Kinsler, who has been one of the game’s best middle infielders.

Kinsler is excited that Detroit is the team he was traded to because he wanted to remain with a contender. He lost the World Series twice while with the Rangers.

“I wanted to go to a contender,” Kinsler told the Associated Press. “It is a place I feel very strongly has a chance to win a World Series. It will be a new experience and I am excited to get out of my comfort zone. I love the park, it suits me, and I can run. We have star power on this team and I worked hard to lose those pounds because I expect to do a lot of running this year.”

Kinsler batted .277 with an on-base percentage of .344 and slugged .413 in 2013. He hit 13 home runs and had 72 RBI.

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