Ian Kinsler: I feel 100 percent - ESPN

Updated: January 14, 2012, 5:08 PM ET

By Richard Durrett
ESPNDallas.com
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ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said he had a platelet-rich plasma injection a week after the season to separate a ligament from the bone in his right ankle. Kinsler said the ankle has been bothering him for two seasons, ever since he rolled it during workouts in Surprise, Ariz., in March 2010.

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"I feel 100 percent ,and it's the first time I can say that in a long time," Kinsler said after talking with fans and signing autographs at Rangers FanFest on Saturday at the Arlington Convention Center. "It didn't bug me to the point where it affected how I felt running or moving laterally, I just didn't feel as powerful. Being able to feel that again is pretty cool. It's a good feeling."

Kinsler learned to adapt to that lack of power and it didn't keep him from stealing 30 bases, to go along with 32 home runs and 77 RBIs, in 155 games, the most he's played in his career.

"It hampered me, but I learned how to cheat in stealing bases and it taught me a lot about picking up small things," Kinsler said. "I think I can improve on that."

Kinsler said the door remains open for a long-term contract extension with the Rangers, but that "the ball is in their court and we have to wait for them to call back." As of now, the two sides aren't really talking about it, Kinsler said, noting the club is busy trying to get Yu Darvish signed before Wednesday's deadline.

Kinsler will make $7 million in 2012 and has a $10 million club option for 2013. After that, he can become a free agent. He said that while nothing has happened yet, the offseason is still ongoing.

"There's still time," Kinsler said. "We've all grown together as a group. (Manager) Ron Washington and our team has all grown together. If we can all stay together, we're going to continue to succeed. If we add pieces it's the beginning of a dynasty.

"I've played in this league for six years. They know what I'm worth; I know what I'm worth. It's about getting a number that works for both sides. If we don't, it won't happen. But I want that to happen."

Richard Durrett covers the Rangers for ESPNDallas.com.

Follow Richard Durrett on Twitter: @espn_durrett