Texas Rangers’ Ian Kinsler extends support to Josh Hamilton – MLB News
The Texas Rangers’ second baseman Ian Kinsler on Sunday, February 19, extended his full support to Josh Hamilton, saying he and team-mates will be there for the player. Kinsler’s statement came after he was asked about the backlash of the controversy that
has surrounded Hamilton.
"I've gotten over it," Kinsler said. "I'm focused on this season and baseball. I support Josh and will continue to support him. All his teammates and coaches will be there for him. Josh took care of it and said what he needed to say. People can say what
they want to say. That's just outside influences driving something that's really not there."
Ian Kinsler was with Josh Hamilton the night the latter had consumed alcohol in a Dallas bar. But Hamilton, while making a public apology, unequivocally stated that Kinsler was not with him during the relapse.
Kinsler is apparently not in trouble now since all the focus is on Josh Hamilton who has already admitted to drinking. Nonetheless, the crucial moral support Kinsler has extended to his best team-mate will go a long way to determine the future.
Ian also shed some light on his current status of fitness, saying he has recovered from an injury to his ankle. The injury, as was asserted in the interview, had troubled the player for a couple of years. That might also have had an impact on the contract
extension.
"End of pain," Kinsler said. "It helped everything. Working in the cage, I can take as many swings as I want. I have been able to do a lot more full-body exercises.”
The Texas Rangers have yet to speak in detail with a number of their key players about the contracts that need to be renewed. Hamilton and Kinsler are among the two players who will be free agents once the season concludes.
As to what course the negotiations take at the end is unclear. What remains clear are that Hamilton has all the support of his team and Ian Kinsler is fit enough to get a contract extension from the team given the consistency of his performance during the
past few years.
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