Kinsler cashes in

Ian Kinsler and the Texas Rangers finalized a new $75 million, five-year contract Wednesday that locks up another one of their key players and makes the leadoff hitter one of the best-paid second basemen in the majors. Kinsler (pictured right), whose minor league career began with the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League in 2003, is in his seventh season with Texas. His new deal begins next year and includes a club option for 2018. “I got the chance (with the Rangers), and I wasn’t going to regret it,” Kinsler said. “I was going to give everything I possibly could to prove that I was a good player and that I belonged.” Kinsler is a two-time All-Star who twice in the past three seasons had 30 homers and 30 stolen bases. – Associated Press