Ian Kinsler becomes the starting second baseman for the Texas Rangers.

After only 250 major league games in two seasons with the Rangers, Kinsler looks set to stay in one place for a while. The 25-year-old second baseman got a new five-year contract at the beginning of spring training that includes a team option for 2013. He has signed the deal after two years in the big leagues.

 Kinsler and all-star shortstop Michael Young are constantly together, whether doing drills on the field or in the clubhouse where their lockers are side by side. Plus, they’ll probably hit 1-2 in the order. In fact, Kinsler wanted to be with the Rangers for a long time because Young was already committed to the team.

Belgian tennis player Justine Henin was honored with the WTA Tour player of the year award for the second time in her career on Thursday, announced at the Sony Ericcson Open.

Henin won 10 of the 14 events she entered in 2007, including the French and U.S. Open, and the Belgianbecame the first woman to earn more than $5 million in prize money in a single season. She also won the award for 2003.

Other awardees included Cara Black of Zimbabwe and Liezel Huber of the United States who were chosen doubles team of the year for the first time. They won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2007.

Huber was also honored with the player service award, which recognizes off-court contributions.
 
Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic was chosen most improved player, and Lindsay Davenport won comeback player of the year. Agnes Szavay of Hungary received the newcomer of the year award.