Ron Washington has done a lot of good in his seven seasons as the Texas Rangers manager, and he's already the most accomplished Rangers skipper of all-time. He is also a polarizing figure who draws a lot of ire from fans for his lack of in-game management skills, which is balanced out by his great ability to relate to players and command a clubhouse.
Washington had been bombarded recently by questions about him not having a contract beyond the 2014 season and the "lame duck" status that comes along with it, but now he can put those questions to rest as he agreed to a one-year extension on Monday that will have him under contract through the 2015 season — the same year general manager Jon Daniels' deal expires.
Last time Washington got an extension, it was for two years, and you'd have to think Washington would've liked a similiar extension this offseason, but he didn't get it and that sends a message.
The message is pretty clear for the team's winningest manager of all time with 611 wins. Just four years after leading the Rangers to their first-ever World Series, and their second the following year, Washington is in a situation this season in which he needs results to keep his job in 2016, and maybe even 2015.
The Rangers went all-in this year by trading for Prince Fielder and signing Shin-Soo Choo. Sure, they weren't expecting Derek Holland to be out for half the season, at least, but bad things happen and good teams overcome them.
Washington has pretty much proven he's the right guy for the Rangers gig, and his players would most likely tell you the same thing. But after two years of falling short of expectations, he needs his players to produce in 2014, or it could mean his job.
