1 The Rangers haven't had much to talk about lately.

Well, there's always the fact that they were the first team to be eliminated from post-season contention... I'd be interested in reading your reaction to that, and what the percentage of swear words in the post would be.  Over/Under is set at 15%.

I'd take the under, but only because of the long discourse on how bad Ron Washington is where you detail his every failing, from his use of the bullpen to how his personal hygiene is insufficient ("his toenails look like they were carved from oak trees").

2 Not that upset about being eliminated.  It was clear before the All-Star break that Texas wouldn't be in the playoffs, and wouldn't even have 81 wins.  I still root for the team to win every night, but I sure don't mind getting first pick in the draft, the largest signing bonus pool, and waiver priority.  And if you're not even gonna finish at .500, go for last.  The other fun bit is seeing what the call-ups do, and of course watching the A's implode.

Washington.  Unlike a lot of other Rangers bloggers, I'm not 100% convinced he comes back next year.  If this was a .500 team, he would be on the board for Manager of the Year.  However, as likable as he his, Wash has serious deficiencies, especially in his game management.  On the other hand, unlike Bo Porter who was fired earlier this week, Wash doesn't go until Daniels and Co. have the new manager on board or confidently targeted.  Texas isn't in a free-fall, as far as anyone can tell, and Ron Washington does have a good record.  You don't replace that with just anybody...it better be a darn good upgrade.

I would say this topic comes up again before long.  Texas usually doesn't make staffing changes at the end of the season, but you don't want to bring on a new manager at the last minute.