http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/washington-feels-like-crying-with-youngs-departure.html/

The Phils forgot to send a gift-wrapped box of tissues in the trade. Poor Wash.

Oh, the stellar Ranger bench and avaiable bats we had during the Play Offs?

Sigh....

Mike Bascik, despite his flaws (drinking too much and tweeting ...) .... Is the media guy most clued into the Rangers. Because he has friends there, because he played there ..

Here's what Bascik said:

When Wash was busted toward the beginning of spring training 2009 for his coke indiscretion , Michael Young called a meeting of players in the Surprise clubhouse the next morning and talked about rallying around Wash.

Michael was pretty persuasive and everybody got on board. Michael went to JD or Nolan and said we want Wash as our manager. Mike probably spoke the true feeling of the players.

Wash got wind of Mike's efforts. And because of this, Wash has been completely loyal to Michael Young. For playing a big part in saving his job.

This is what Bascik said, not my interpretation.

So this has been for the last few years at least a big part of why Wash has stuck to Mike. We are all human as the Human League song said and would probably do the same thing.

I wonder if Michael would be a good MLB manager or would be too uptight to handle it ...?

Good Manager !

I'd take either Michael Young or Omar Vizuel as our next manager.

I think MY would be a great manager for the rangers in the future.

I can't see MY paying the dues required to be a manager. He also seems too self centered (complaining about changing positions, demanding 1.2mm to waive his 10-5 rights) to manage. And then there are his FO conflicts. I just don't see it, especially in Texas.

My choice would be Nick Hundley from San Diego. They sent him to the minors once they gave the job to Grandal, but Grandal has that 50 day vacation he'll be taking to start next season, so Nick may not be available.

Hundley's a top-flight defensive catcher and, moved to a more hitter-friendly environment, he just might blossom.

If I'm the Ranger FO decision-maker, for manager I absolutely go with a very bright ex-player who can grok Sabr. Somebody who has warmth but is level and heady.

A Maddux, maybe?