News Flash! Texas is Hot!

Sep 30, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (right) is tagged out in a run down by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (left) during the third inning at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

I want to preface this somewhat sarcastic article by saying that I like Ian Kinsler and I wish him well in his new “cooler” baseball home in Detroit. I think he is an extremely talented second baseman and I will miss him. With that being said, Kinsler made a revelation to the Detroit media at Tigers spring training in Lakeland, Florida that he never mentioned while playing here. Texas is hot. When asked if he ever got used to that heat, Kinlser said

"“No, but you try to fool yourself that you can.” Sports Day DFW"

Kinsler went on to say this about his new home.

"“You tell everyone and you tell yourself that it’s not a big deal, but to hear that the Tigers didn’t play a game at home last year above 90 degrees is refreshing, I should be able to physically handle the season a little bit better.” Sports Day DFW"

Well that would have been nice to know while Kinlser was here. I mean, if it is so hard to get used to, then how come players like Josh Hamilton, Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez and Nelson Cruz didn’t seem to pop the ball straight up in the air every other at bat (not an accurate stat) and Craig Gentry and Elvis Andrus didn’t seem to have any trouble swiping bases. Maybe it effected Ian a little more.

Now you all know that I am poking fun at Ian a little bit, but the truth is that playing for the Texas Rangers is a very hot prospect. The summers here are brutal, trust me, I know, I worked in the land surveying business for 10 plus years in the field. There is nothing like standing in an open field for 7 to 8 hours in the middle of August, but I was working, not playing and I didn’t make a bazillion dollars a day doing it (also not an accurate number). If Ian talked about this while he was still the Texas Rangers second baseman, I would have had the same advice for him that I do now. Suck it up, buttercup. You are playing a game for a living, and you are playing for a team that is a contender. The Texas Rangers have strength and conditioning regiments to help you deal with the heat, and your manager will give you the day off if you ask him for it. I know it’s hot, but I can’t wait to see what Kinsler has to say when he has to play all of those September games in 30 degree weather in Detroit. He may even miss the Texas heat. Either way, I wish him well and I hope he enjoys his new home. At least Texas Rangers fans will enjoy watching Ian pop the ball up to the infield now instead of complaining about it.