List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 17
30. Ian Kinsler
Not many players in the Major League are as talented and skilful as Ian Kinsler. Although the second baseman struggled to achieve desired results in the previous few seasons, he had arguably the best season of his career in 2011. Posting a breath-taking
.832 OPS and a 7.7 WAR (sixth best among all players), he enjoyed his 30-30 for the second time in three years.
Playing for Texas Rangers, he produced several match winning performances. In addition to his amazing hitting skills, the player contributed significantly with the gloves as well. Showing his defensive abilities, his Fld of 15 was the third best among all
players at second base position.
Although Kinsler had his share of health and fitness issues in the past, he is a dynamic player to watch when he is fully fit and healthy. The striker plays his game so sloppily that staying healthy is often easier said than done.
In his six big league seasons, he has only played in over 140 games twice, which is quite an amazing stat. Every time he has played in over 140 games a season, Kinsler had a 30-30 season, which is a unique achievement. It will be fair to say that he is one
of the best players in the talented Texas Rangers side right now.
“I just felt like I got to know myself as a player and got to know my game better. You do that by just getting experience, getting one thousand swings or however many we got down there,” said Ian Kinsler.
He further added that, “I’m going to play the same regardless of whether I’m making $5 or $1 trillion. It really doesn’t make a difference to me. I’m going to go out there and play hard, and money doesn’t bring respect. The way you play the game brings respect.”
31. Dan Haren
Dan Haren is another talented baseball player, who had produced match winning performances over the years. When you look at his MLB stats, it is very hard to believe that he has been traded thrice in the last eight years or so. However, it is more a matter
of the player being in demand than not wanted.
The dynamic right hander has made it to the All Star team three times in his career and he has topped 200 innings in each full season he has played in the Major League. Showing his offensive skills, he has helped Los Angeles secure memorable wins since he
joined the club.
His 16.9 WAR since the start of year 2009 is the eighth best among all starters. The guy can pitch with great control and accuracy for long periods of time and that is been the key to his success over the years. An impressive K/BB of 4.04 goes on to suggest
that he is a solid strike-out pitcher.
If the Angels’ ace continues his sensational run in the 2012 season as well, he will have a great chance of earning another huge pay day. Los Angeles Angels on the other will be looking to make the most of his presence in their squad before he decides to
land somewhere else.
Continued in Part 18
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