The Texas Rangers have lost seven consecutive games and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Rumors are swirling that Ron Washington’s job as manager is in danger. Ranger’s GM Jon Daniels has denied the rumors, and given Washington his full support.
Ron Washington has been the Rangers manager since 2007. He led the team to back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011, but lost both years.
In 2012 the Rangers were in cruise control in the AL West, then crashed in September. The Oakland A’s played Texas on the final game of the season to determine who would win the west. The Ranger’s lost, then lost their one game wildcard playoff with the Baltimore Orioles.
Last season’s collapse is nothing compared to this season’s. For most of the year the Rangers have fought with Oakland for control of the AL West. Unfortunately, September has brought another downward spiral to Texas, and the team is now on pace to possibly miss the playoffs. Seven straight losses have put Texas six and half games behind Oakland for the division lead and tied for the wildcard lead.
Ron Washington’s second straight September collapse has not put his job in question though. When asked, GM Jon Daniels responded, “ The answer is no .” Team President Nolan Ryan also puts the blame on players having “sub-par years,” not Washington.
Ron Washington admits he’s scared for his job, but hopes the last seven years mean something :
“I look at it in the big picture. What we’ve done here since I’ve been here, that should mean something. If a blip at the end of the year makes people decide that Ron Washington isn’t the guy for the job, there isn’t anything I can do about that. “
For now the rumors surrounding Ron Washington’s job security should be considered just that. There is still enough baseball to played to let Texas rebound. After all, it’s not about how you finish the season, it’s about how hot you are in the playoffs . If you make it.
[image via Wikimedia Commons ]
