Why couldn’t Ron Washington have just taken an extended leave of absence? Why did he have to quit? Today Washington unexpectedly resigned as manager of the Texas Rangers. He cited “personal reasons” for leaving the team with only 22 game left in what has been a deeply disappointing season for the club. He released a statement that left things pretty vague. The general manager of the Rangers, Jon Daniels, released a statement of his own expressing disappointment. He also indicated that he was looking forward to bringing Washington back as manager next season.
Today’s events leave too many questions unanswered. But that’s not what I’m writing about. As a self-acclaimed baseball nerd, I’ve often been critical of Washington’s in-game management. His bullpen use and lineups often defied logic. His loyalty to players, such as the ghost of Michael Young who Wash repeatedly trotted out to third base, despite Young having the agility of a cartoon anvil, often cost the team. Young’s sloppy defense at first base contributed to the darkest day in Rangers history: game 6 of the 2011 World Series –– Nelson Cruz wasn’t the only goat in that game.
A lot of the newfangled sabermetrics and stats will tell you he was a terrible Xs and Os guy. But he excelled in areas that can’t be measured.
As a motivator and teacher, Washington’s reputation is unparalleled. In the early part of his stint, when the team stunk like microwaved garbage, the players never quit on their manager. They publicly praised him for his leadership, calling him a true player’s manager.
Wash has won more games total than any other manager in team history, and was the shot caller of the only two Ranger teams to appear in the World Series. His legacy is as the greatest manager in team history is undeniable, but his time with the club hasn’t been without its bumps in the road.
His sudden departure today is another strange turn in an often-melodramatic tenure as the Rangers’ skipper. His most notable bit of drama was in 2010, when the league revealed that Washington tested positive for cocaine. Not only did the team not quit on its manager, it went on to appear in its first World Series. Washington tiptoed through various other managerial minefields, and dealt with his share of egos over his eight years with the Rangers, such as the aforementioned Young, Josh Hamilton, and was stuck in the middle of the Nolan Ryan versus Jon Daniels ordeal. He always came out smelling like a cigarette smoke-soaked rose.
Several media reports cite sources close to Washington who deny his resignation had anything to do with his substance abuse.
For all of his flaws, I hope he comes back. His enthusiasm and energy were palpable. I don’t want to live in a world without his dugout dance routines. Besides, I want the man who made this speech when the team was its lowest to lead my favorite team.
Don’t blame Washington – blame Daniels. Daniels gave up on the rangers at the end of June and did not give Washington anything to work with. I don’t blame Washington on leaving since upper management does not care about the team. With Daniels we have another Jerry Jones.
How exactly did Daniels give up on the team in June?
I hope Wash does come back. Griffey makes some valid points regarding Washington’s management style specifically his in-game management. There have been times I wanted to leap out of my seat scream “what are you doing Washington”. I will say that Washington has always had great energy that appeared positive. Lets face it the Rangers had a terrible season. This season it was injury not Daniels or Washington as the cause.