Texas Rangers All-Time Team: The Infield

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Sep 13, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) avoids the tag of Oakland Athletics first baseman Nate Freiman (7) at first base in the third inning of the game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The new year brings the Texas Rangers a clean slate, a fresh start and reason for fans to believe THIS IS OUR TIME! And maybe it has a little to with the third baseman you voted to the Texas Rangers All-Time Team?

Here’s a Tweet from Zach Gilbreath that may or may not give insight to who is on the Rangers All-Time Team:

Here is YOUR Texas Rangers All-Time Team: The Infield

FIRST BASE: Rafael Palmeiro

In the 10 seasons, two stints (1989-1993, 1999-2003), with the Texas Rangers Rafael Palmeiro earned three Gold Glove Awards at first base (1997, 1998, 1999), a Silver Slugger Award at first base (1998) and at designated hitter in 1999. His 1,692 hits, 1,039 RBI and 44 stolen bases earned him two trips to the All-Star Game as a member of the Texas Rangers. Palmeiro finished his Texas career with 321 home runs, for a career total of 569 homers. With a career total of 3020 hits, Palmeiro became the 4th player in major league history to a member of both the 500 Home Run Club and the 3,000 Hits Club.

Unfortunately, the only video on MLB.com of Rafael Palmeiro is when he hit his 500th home run on May 11, 2003

SECOND BASE: Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler made his MLB debut on April 3, 2006 against the Boston Red Sox, and in his first at-bat he got a hit off Curt Schilling. Kins instantly became a fan favorite, well I was instantly a fan of Kinsler. Even though he was placed on the disabled list due to a dislocated thumb he suffered while sliding head-first into second base and missed 41 games, Kinsler still finished the ’06 season leading the American League second baseman in range factor (5.58) as well as AL rookies with 27 doubles. He also tied the Texas Rangers record for most double plays turned in one game (5), and was named the Texas Rangers 2006 Rookie of the Year.

In the 8 seasons (2006-2013) Ian Kinsler played with the Texas Rangers, he became the 13th member of the 30-30 club twice, hitting 30 home runs and having stole 30 bases in 2009 and 2011. In 2009 he hit for the cycle, while hitting safely in all 6 at-bats. Kinsler is a three time All-Star (2008, 2010, 2012), and until this season held the club record for stolen bases with 172. And just think, the Rangers were set to trade him to the Colorado Rockies for Larry Walker in 2004. I’m glad Walker declined the trade and the fans were treated to see one of the best second baseman the Rangers have ever had.

Ian Kinsler hits for the cycle on April 15, 2009, going 6-for-6.

In the first round of the 2010 playoffs Kinsler hit safely and scored runs in all 5 games, the only other player to hit and score at least once in each of the 5 consecutive postseason games is Nomar Garciaparra. Here’s Kins on October 12 hitting a 2-run homer that gives the Rangers a nice 5-1 lead over Tampa Bay Rays.

In 2011 Kinsler made history when he hit his 2nd lead-off home run in first two games of the season, becoming the first player in ML history to do so.

OK, so this may not be a “making history” moment, but it was a fun moment for me to watch, hope it is for you as well. Kinsler swipes second with ex-Ranger Cliff Lee on the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Get a hit off of Curt Schilling? No problem. Hit a home run off of Felix Hernandez a.k.a. King Felix? Nope, Kinsler will take two, thank you.

July 13, 2013 at Detroit Tigers, Ian Kinsler steals his 162nd base, breaking Texas Rangers all-time stolen base record previously held by Bump Wills. You think the Tigers were scouting Kinsler that day?

Next: And the All-Time Rangers Third Baseman Is...

Jun 19, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) smiles while in the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

THIRD BASE: Adrian Beltre

Of course it’s Adrian Beltre! In the short four seasons (2011-present) he’s been with the Texas Rangers Beltre has arguably made the biggest impact on the club. The Dominican native won consecutive Gold Gloves and American League Platinum Gloves at third base (2011, 2012), is a three time All-Star, as well as two Silver Slugger Awards at third base in 2011 and 2014. Beltre finished the 2014 season ranked first among third basemen for putouts with 144.

Adrian Beltre is a fan and player favorite. Thanks to his good friend, King Felix, the Texas Rangers have helped Beltre overcome (sort of) his aversion to having his head touched. He is always having fun on the field and let’s everyone know that this is a game but it is also our job. How could you not name Adrian Beltre to the Texas Rangers All-Time Team?

Here’s a few highlights from Adrian Beltre’s Texas Rangers career, thus far.

Beltre singles to right field for his 2,000th career hit, September 4, 2011 at Boston Red Sox.

Just 7 days later, he smacks his 2nd home run of the game against the Oakland Athletics for his 300th career home run.

October 4, 2011 Beltre became the first player to hit three home runs in a Division Series game, 6th player in a Major League playoff game.

Nice guy Beltre points and asks if cameraman is alright after he fell shooting Beltre running bases after a home run.

October 24, 2011, during Game 5 of the World Series, Beltre launches a home run the only we can, down on one knee.

Three at-bats equals three home runs for Adrian Beltre, including 2 in the same inning.

Beltre really loves to hit in Texas. On August 24, 2012 Beltre hits for the cycle for the 2nd time in his career, both times in Arlington. The first time he played for the Seattle Mariners.

2014 was a career record-setting season for Adrian Beltre. He hit his 100th HR as a Texas Ranger, hit his 2,500th career hit, as well as surpassing Vladimir Guerrero as the all-time hit leader among Dominican players when he singled for his 2,591st hit.

5/7/2014- 100th HR as Rangers

6/24/2014- 2,500th career hit

9/18/2014 – 2591st hit surpasses Guerrero