Ian Kinsler Waves to the Texas Rangers Dugout

ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Texas Rangers started a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night which meant the return of second baseman Ian Kinsler.

The Rangers have already faced Kinsler and the Tigers since the trade, but that was in Detroit. Last night marked the first time Ian Kinsler played in Arlington wearing a non-Texas Rangers uniform.

Before the game Twitter was already buzzing about what kind of reception Kinsler would receive.

And the actual result?

Our own Ben Dieter wrote an article about Ian Kinsler’s return along with a poll asking if you would cheer or boo Kinsler.

We’re all aware of Ian Kinsler’s now infamous statement in ESPN Magazine. If not, here’s what he had to say about his former team:

"I hope they go 0-162,” Kinsler told ESPN The Magazine’s Robert Sanchez recently in a story published this week. “I got friends, and I love my friends, but I hope they lose their ass.”"

He later clarified that his statement was geared more towards the Texas Rangers’ front office. Personally, I think we all know what or rather, who he is directing his anger at; and that would be Jon Daniels the general manager.

Clearly Ian Kinsler was upset about being traded. Who can blame him? He loves, or loved, playing for the Rangers. Some of his best friends play for the Texas Rangers. His home is in Texas, even today he calls Texas home. He was even on vacation with Elvis Andrus in Hawaii when he found out about the trade. So, yeah, I can understand why’d he be upset and in my opinion make a snide comment that he probably instantly regretted saying.

Last night when Ian Kinsler was at the plate in his first at-bat, not as a Texas Ranger but as a Detroit Tiger he hit a solo-home run and did this little wave to the Rangers dugout, fans and players alike seemed to be a little miffed about it.

Colby Lewis stated that he was “a little disappointed” in Kinsler. Other media outlets that I’ve seen also seem to think it’s quite a big deal. However, personally, I don’t see what the big deal is. Granted I’m not a player and I don’t know everything that goes on behind the scenes. But, I still don’t see how that wave garnishes so much negativity towards Kinsler.

Yeah, yeah you get it, so what’s my point? My point is this: Ian Kinsler did not ask to be traded. Not only did he not ask to be traded for Prince Fielder who obviously isn’t helping the Texas Rangers this season.

I understand the frustration and hurt Ian Kinsler feels. As a Texas Rangers fan, I also understand the frustration we have this season, but it isn’t Kinsler’s fault. I think we should cut him some slack, after all it’s not like he said Dallas/Fort Worth wasn’t a baseball town.