Before Ron Washington became the winningest skipper in Rangers history and led the club to its only two World Series appearances, he was a longtime third-base coach for the Oakland A's.
Now, he's back in that same role after the A's promoted Washington back to an on-field role after relieving Mark Gallego from his role after two more runners were thrown out at home on Sunday, adding to the A's league-leading total.
"The main thing I'm looking forward to is being back on the field full time," Washington told ESPN before the Athletics played the Mariners on Monday. "I consider myself a difference-maker. What I was doing before [as an instructor], I felt like I was making a difference, but now I'll really be able to make a difference because I can be around to answer questions and be around to help these guys do certain things.
"I'm just happy to be back in the dugout."
Washington still says his ultimate goal is to return to a managerial role, but at his advanced age and his sketchy exit from the Rangers last September, the odds seem to be against that happening. For now, Washington said he's focused on being a good third-base coach again.
"There is no perfection in the game of baseball," he said. "I don't expect to be a perfect third-base coach. But I know I'm a damn good third-base coach."
