Kinsler likes being No. 5 in Rangers' tough lineup | Baseball

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Ian Kinsler has a prime spot in the Texas Rangers' lineup, even though he is no longer the leadoff hitter.

For the first time in three years, Kinsler isn't going into the season at the top of the Rangers' order. Instead, he's right in the middle at the No. 5 slot right between sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Nelson Cruz.

"It takes a little bit of pressure off me, it allows me to be a little bit more of a free swinger," Kinsler said. "I think it's a good spot for me. ... I think both of them are going to have huge years. To be right in the middle of them is going to give me a lot of opportunities."

Texas has finally found a more prototypical leadoff hitter in center fielder Julio Borbon, the young speedster who led off for much of the final two months last season.

Plus, Kinsler's style seems better suited for a lower spot in the order. He hit more fly balls than ground balls last season, his 0.58 ratio of grounders to fly balls being the second-lowest figure in the majors.

The Rangers don't want Kinsler to change his aggressive approach, especially batting behind the trio of Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Guerrero.

Despite hitting a career-low .253 last season, Kinsler scored 101 runs, drove in 86 and became only the third second baseman in major-league history with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season. He set career highs for games played (144), at-bats (566) and homers (31). He had the first six-hit cycle in a nine-inning major-league game in nearly 115 years.

Kinsler failed to make contact on only 13 percent of his swings, the best rate among Rangers players last season.

Through his first five spring-training games, Kinsler was 4 for 10. He was scratched from the starting lineup Friday after turning his right ankle during drills earlier in the day. The Rangers said Saturday it is a high ankle sprain and he will be out at least a week.

Notes

• Arizona Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch says it's becoming "very evident" starting pitcher Brandon Webb likely will begin the season on the disabled list. Hinch said Webb was playing long toss Saturday, and he's unsure when he will pitch in his first Cactus League game.

The right-hander had shoulder surgery in August and could throw in the bullpen this week.

• Cleveland Indians reliever Kerry Wood missed his scheduled appearance against the Texas Rangers with arm soreness.

• Houston 1B Lance Berkman is expected to miss two to four weeks after having knee surgery Saturday to remove loose cartilage from his left knee. Astros manager Brad Mills said that the surgery showed there was no damage to the meniscus or ligaments.

• Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had his first scheduled throwing session of spring training canceled because of a stiff neck.

• Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said "the plan" is for owner George Steinbrenner to attend the team's home opener April 13.

The Boss was in his box at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Saturday for the Yankees' 5-3 win over Baltimore. The 79-year-old Steinbrenner has been in poor health.

• Center field Denard Span and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a $16.5 million, five-year contract, a deal that includes a $9 million team option for 2015.