Did Ron Washington Just Want Out of Texas?

The personal reasons for Ron Washington’s departure from the Texas Rangers are real. Like with most personal topics, I prefer to avoid their discussion. By now everyone knows why Wash left the team anyway; it’s pretty pointless for me to rehash the details (or vagueness).

The personal issues in Washington’s life certainly warrant time away from the game. Especially since the game is without postseason possibilities. Focusing on what’s truly important trumps meaningless games in September after all, right?

Jon Daniels and the Texas Rangers seemed to think so, which is why they offered a leave of absence for Wash. Yet, Wash declined. In Ron Washington’s public appearance where he discussed his personal reasons for resigning, he also stated his intention of getting back into the game.

The curiousness of this declaration was noticed by DMN Tim Cowlishaw. Tim falls short of calling this a strategic move to expedite his pending availability – but that’s sure what it looks like.

Last offseason Ron Washington was entering the final year on his deal. The most successful manager in Rangers history was a lame duck. While he said the right things in public, those close to the situation knew he expected a long term deal to have been done before his status ever became an issue.

His lame duck status did become an issue and that issue was just kicked a few feet down the street when he was given a one year deal.

Jun 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

And now we speculate…

At 62 years of age Wash didn’t have the luxury of patently waiting for a big deal. If after what he accomplished in Texas wasn’t getting him a long-term deal then having a disastrous 2014 wasn’t going to do him any favors either. On top of that, how good does 2015 look even if most of the injured return?

I have the upmost respect for what Wash has done in Texas and I will always give him the benefit of the doubt. I respect his private life and believe his contrition. Taking advantage a personal issue to help himself professionally may be a little underhanded, but it’s pretty smart too.

I believe the issue is real and it’s not fabricated. I believe he did need to focus on his family to better the situation at home. I also believe he wants job stability and a long-term contract on a good team.

If the Rangers kept stringing him along for the next 2 years, he’ll be 64 with a very poor recent track record. The chances of getting a good opportunity elsewhere would be slim.

Leaving now would open him up to opportunities immediately. He would get an asterisk next to the Rangers performance for this season. He wouldn’t be as removed from success as he would if he played it out with the Rangers this and next season.

Again, this is speculation but it’s certainly worth giving thought to. The good news is this may actually work out in everyone’s best interests. He may be able to successfully repair his personal life and get a desirable opportunity elsewhere.

The Rangers can find a manager that’s a little more in sync with Jon Daniels and his vision moving forward. No more gut instincts from the dugout could do this team some good.

In the short time Tim Bogar has been in charge the team has played much better too. Maybe it’s the shake-up, maybe it’s the man, or maybe just regression to the mean, but things appear to be building rather than crumbling as of late.

Speculating on the baseball side of this issue may not be as juicy as dishing on the personal issues but it does seem relevant and helps the Rangers in the long run.