The Texas Rangers, beset this season by injuries and poor performance to the point where they currently own the worst record in Major League Baseball, face yet another challenge with the surprise resignation of manager Ron Washington.
The 62-year-old, who has been the club's bench boss since 2007, decided to step down Friday to deal with what he called "an off-the-field personal matter," according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
Here's Washington's statement in more detail:
Today, I have submitted my resignation from the job I love -- managing the Rangers -- in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter. As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what's best for me and my family.
This is in no way related to the disappointing performance of the team this season. We were already discussing 2015 and looking forward to getting the Rangers back to postseason contention.
Under Washington's watch, the Rangers have posted a .521 winning percentage, captured two consecutive American League pennants in 2010 and 2011 and came within one strike of winning the first World Series in franchise history in 2011.
While critics have taken to second-guessing Washington's occasionally questionable in-game decision-making and old-school approach, watching the winningest manager in team history walk away unexpectedly is a blow to a club that already has endured more than its share this year.
The Rangers were expected to once again contend in the competitive AL West entering the season. That goal fell apart early on, primarily due to an avalanche of injuries, including but certainly not limited to: pitchers Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Yu Darvish, as well as second baseman Jurickson Profar and the club's two big offseason acquisitions, first baseman Prince Fielder and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.
Given the team's talented (if injury-ravaged) core, a quick turnaround certainly is possible. That makes this a coveted skipper's spot, one that will be filled by bench coach Tim Bogar on an interim basis until the end of the season.
Of course, well-wishes go out to Washington as he deals with this personal matter. And the door appears to be left open to a possible return, if Washington wants the job back.
But if that doesn't happen and the franchise chooses to go in a different direction than Bogar for a fresh start in 2015, what qualities might the Rangers be targeting for their next manager?
It's possible the organization could turn to someone already on the coaching staff for a smoother transition, but considering the Rangers have the roster to return to relevance in short order, there's a good chance experience would be a big factor, too.
That in mind, here's a list of candidates who could take over as the Rangers' next manager.
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