Major League Baseball

Kinsler could be leading off again for Rangers

Published Feb. 25, 2011 12:14 a.m. ET

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Ian Kinsler was back at the top for the Texas Rangers on Thursday, an early indication of how the lineup might change this season for the AL champions.

Manager Ron Washington wasn't ready to declare whether Kinsler might be leading off this season like he did primarily did in 2009. But that is clearly an option the manager is considering, even if it was only the first practice game of spring training.

''We're playing an intrasquad game, I just want to try to get some guys some at-bats,'' Washington said before the six-inning game. ''I think Sunday you will be able to read into what's going on.''

The Rangers play their first spring training game Sunday against Kansas City, the team that shares the Surprise complex.

After Julio Borbon struggled in the leadoff spot to start last season, Elvis Andrus hit first most of the season. Andrus was batting second Thursday in the lineup that included most of the expected starters.

''I have fun leading off. I would like to,'' Kinsler said. ''I mean it would be fun, but it doesn't matter. ... We're pretty good all the way up and down (the lineup). I think I'm going to be able to help the guys in front of me and behind me wherever I'm at.''

Even though third baseman Adrian Beltre (strained right calf) and designated hitter Michael Young (away for personal matters) didn't play Thursday, their presence in or out of the lineup would have no effect on the top spot in the order.

Young is not expected back before Friday's scheduled intrasquad game. Beltre likely will not play in that one either - and may also miss Sunday's spring training opener. Beltre is still taking part in workouts, and running on a treadmill.

''We want to make sure that his calf (is healed). We don't want him out there and then he tries to make a play and something happens,'' Washington said. ''April 1 is his time we want him on the field. We'll have time to clear that up and then get him his at-bats. I just want to be cautious.''

Kinsler missed the first month of last season with a high ankle sprain, but in his 103 games after that posted a career-best .382 on-base percentage while hitting in five different spots in the batting order (first, third, fifth, sixth and ninth). He often hit behind the likes of AL MVP Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero and Nelson Cruz.

''Last year I was able to get on base, and I think after those guys that are free swingers, I needed to be a little more patient and I needed to see some pitches,'' Kinsler said.

The same kind of approach that is necessary in the leadoff spot.

In 265 career games leading off, Kinsler has a .284 batting average with 58 stolen bases. Overall, he had 15 stolen bases last year and has been successful on 86 percent (106 of 124) of his attempts, the best in team history and second highest among all players with at least 120 attempts since 1950.

''Like I always say, he can get you a run with one swing on the bat, he will steal you a bag, he's an excellent bunter,'' Washington said. ''He can do some things.''

The Rangers wants the speedy Borbon to hit leadoff last season, but he hit only .220 with one stolen base, eight strikeouts and one walk in 14 games from the top spot. He hit .276 overall in his first full season - most games hitting ninth, like he did Thursday.

''If we had to project his down-the-line, Borbon becoming the player he can through progression, one day you may see him back in the No. 1 spot,'' Washington said. ''Certainly that's what our purpose was in 2010, but maybe this will take some pressure off of him.''

The leadoff decision this season will come down to Kinsler or Andrus, who hit. 263 in 134 games batting first last season.

''Elvis does a great job working the count, working the pitcher,'' Kinsler said. ''I believe I can do that also. ... I want to be a tablesetter. My goal is not to get us up 1-0 every time I walk up there. My goal is to start the day off right and get our offense going in the right direction.''

NOTES: C.J. Wilson, set to be the opening day pitcher, worked his scheduled one inning Thursday despite being bothered by some kind of bronchial infection. The left-hander threw nine of his 14 pitches for strikes while getting out all three batters he faced: Kinsler, Andrus and Hamilton. ... The Rangers will receive their 2010 AL championship rings in a pregame ceremony April 2. ... RHP Omar Beltre had surgery after being diagnosed with a genetic narrowing of the spine. Beltre is expected to travel to Arizona to join the team this weekend, depending on how he feels, and begin rehabilitation. He is at least six weeks away from baseball activities.

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