Ron Washington stood out among all American League managers to one organization in 2011.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will honor Washington tonight in Kansas City with the C.I. Taylor Award as the AL's top manager, part of the museum's Legacy Awards."It means a lot," Washington said. "It means our team did a great job. I read some of the history of the awards, and there's quite a few great people who have won the award. I am honored."Kirk Gibson of the Arizona Diamondbacks was selected the NL manager of the year by the Negro Leagues Museum.Washington led the Rangers to a franchise-record 96 victories and a second consecutive AL West title last season. They advanced to the World Series for the second straight season, as well, falling to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.Washington inherited a sub-.500 team when he took over before the 2007 season, but has helped turn Texas into a winner during his five years. The Rangers were 75-87 in Washington's first season, 79-83 in his second, 87-75 in his third and reached consecutive postseasons with 90- and 96-win seasons."I never doubted myself or needed any vindication," Washington said. "Even in my first year, I knew it was just a matter of getting my coaches to coach and my players to play the game of baseball the way it's supposed to be played."There's always other people around you that help you become successful. I am just fortunate that [general manager] Jon Daniels didn't panic the first couple of years because, if he did, I probably wouldn't find myself with this opportunity."As in any sport, Washington feels a five-year window is long enough to provide a fair evaluation of a coach. Anything shorter than that makes it tough, especially for someone like Washington, who didn't inherit a great team.The only notable players who have remained with the Rangers from 2007 to today are Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, David Murphy and Scott Feldman. C.J. Wilson and Feldman were the only two pitchers from the '07 roster who were on last year's World Series roster."I didn't inherit a good team, I didn't inherit a bad team, just a team that wasn't proficient," Washington said."It just took time. We had to set up an atmosphere here that is conducive to coming to work and begin playing the type of baseball we're capable of."Washington is confident that the Rangers are in position for another run in 2012. He doesn't know if the team will make additional moves, such as signing starter Roy Oswalt, before Opening Day, but is more than happy with the roster."If we go with what we have, I would certainly be confident," Washington said. "If something else comes on the horizon, we're willing to fit them in, as well."Drew Davison, 817-390-7760Twitter: @drewdavisonRangers' spring
reporting dates
Feb. 22: Pitchers, catchers
Feb. 25: Position players
If Josh Hamilton plays every day, cash and union love will follow
If Roy Oswalt calls, Rangers should answer
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