I was wondering if anyone could tell me why exactly it was that Ron Washington almost got fired back in 2008. I wasn't following the team very closely then, but I've heard mention several times that Wash was an hour or two from being fired in May 2008 (could be wrong on the timing, but I think it was May). Just wanted to know if anyone had any special insight into what exactly was going on.

Obviously, I know he was probably on the chopping block for the drug scandal that broke during Spring Training, but I'm talking well before that. Was it a problem with the management and/or owner? Players? Underperforming?

Just wanting to know exactly what was going on back then.

T.O.Mike

The Rangers have started slow every year of the Wash Regime. He was slow out of the season opening box and management considered firing him. It was his birthday and they waited for that period to pass and the Rangers started winning in the interum. I think management has started seeing the pattern and realizing things do get better w/Wash and the record as the season rolls on..

My pet theory is that Wash cannot stand 'Prosperity.' He has to be under the gun to get his best work done. We'll see how the security of a new contract does this next season. Secondly, he has his old 'A's' running mate as Hitting Coach. So, if he can't keep it between the ditches then maybe it is the 'Comfort Factor.' Some people just perform better with a bottle of Rollaids or Tums in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Time will tell. Wash has done well and I'm proud of him. It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.

He came very close to being fired in late April 2009 as well. Then the Rangers went on a huge run in May.