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• The Rangers, Kinsler and Cano

  April 03, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  The Texas Rangers are discussing a six-year contract with second baseman Ian Kinsler that would begin in 2013, according to major-league sources.

  The holdup?

  Indirectly, it might be Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano.

  Kinsler and the Rangers, trying to complete a deal by the team’s opener on Friday, have been unable to reach agreement on the financial terms of the new contract.

  The Rangers, sources say, are willing to give Kinsler a salary higher than Dan Uggla’s record average for a second baseman, $12.4 million. But the team probably does not want to go far above that figure, which is where Cano enters the equation.

  The Yankees exercised Cano’s $14 million option for this season and hold a $15 million option on him for 2013. His next deal, whether achieved in an extension or through free agency, figures to be at a much higher number.

  Kinsler, who turns 30 on June 22, is signed for $7 million this season with a $10 million club option for 2013; the option would be eliminated in the first year of his new deal.

  He might not be at Cano’s level. But, judging from their respective career marks in OPS-plus, he’s not far off.

  OPS-plus is a player’s combined on-base/slugging percentage adjusted to his ballpark and league. Cano’s career mark is 119. Kinsler’s is 114. And Kinsler has been even more productive than Cano in the post-season.

  So, let’s say Cano’s next deal is for $18 million per season – and that might be conservative, given the recent eruption in the market.

  Kinsler, then, might be shortchanging himself if he accepted, say, $14 million per season. His goal might be more in the $16 million range.

  Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters Tuesday that he does not expect to complete any contract extensions before Opening Day. But he also did not rule out the possibility of a last-minute deal with Kinsler or any of the Rangers’ potential free agents, including catcher Mike Napoli and center fielder Josh Hamilton.

  -Ken Rosenthal

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• Marlins owner promises more activity

  November 17, 2010 by FOXSports

  Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria promised further activity Wednesday at the GM meetings, saying, "Stay tuned."
  
  But in all likelihood, the Marlins probably have made their biggest moves - trading second baseman Dan Uggla and reaching agreement with free-agent catcher John Buck.
  
  The team, according to one major league source, has about $3 million to $4 million left to spend.
  
  Such a figure wouldn't be enough for the team to sign a free-agent starting pitcher such as right-hander Carl Pavano.
  
  However, it could be enough for the Marlins to continue supplementing their bullpen. The team has traded for four relievers in the past week.
  
  "We're always looking for pitching," Loria said. "We want this bullpen to be a tough one. We're still not done there."
  
  -Ken Rosenthal

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• Marlins' options with Uggla

  November 12, 2010 by FOXSports

  The Florida Marlins still have three options when it comes to Dan Uggla.

  With Hot Stove activity likely pick up next week, they are expected to choose one soon.

  They could sign him to a long-term contract extension.

  He recently turned down their offer of a four-year, $48 million contract. Major-league sources say that a fifth year – at a comparable average annual value – would entice Uggla to accept.

  They could trade him.

  Sources say that the Detroit Tigers, looking everywhere for a power bat, have contacted the Marlins to express their interest.

  They could offer him arbitration one final time, before the 30-year-old becomes a free agent after the 2011 season.

  This is the least exciting – and probably least likely – of the choices. The Marlins rarely let premium talent leave via free agency, preferring instead to obtain younger, cheaper talent.

  The Tigers have made switch-hitting catcher Victor Martinez their priority among free-agent hitters, sources say. Adam Dunn, also a free agent, was a target of theirs at the July trading deadline.

  Uggla is a below-average defender at second base, but he has rare power for that position. He batted .287 with 33 home runs and 105 RBIs this year.

  The Tigers would prefer to add a left-handed hitter. Uggla bats right.

  – Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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