Ausmus supports Kinsler's aggressive play

KANSAS CITY -- Ian Kinsler got a little ribbing about the two outs he made on the basepaths in Saturday night's 9-2 win over the Royals, according to Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. Kinsler is not, however, going to be getting a sign to slow it down.

"We poked a little fun at him after," Ausmus said.

It was a play on the borderline between baserunning aggressiveness and awareness. The former suggests forcing the defense to make a play after the relay throw floated in. The latter suggests not taking that kind of chance with two outs and Miguel Cabrera set to bat.

That said, the aggressiveness Kinsler has shown this season has been appreciated. After Kinsler came to Spring Training talking about getting back to the baserunning aspect of his game, going so far as to drop weight following his trade from Texas, he has shown it on the field.

"I think you knew he had the ability, the resume," Ausmus said. "What I didn't know was the personality and the intensity with which he focuses on his job. Gritty player."