Rangers make the right call

Give wonderboy GM Jon Daniels in Texas credit for his hiring of Ron Washington to fill the team's managerial vacancy.

Washington, a New Orleans native who still resides in the Big Easy, was the third base coach for the Oakland A's the last few years and owns a reputation as a fielding guru.

He turned Eric Chavez from a project into a Gold Glove winner and helped make Mark Ellis into the AL's best defensive second baseman. His defensive prowess should serve the Rangers well.

With the overall lack of quality pitching, the Rangers need to be solid in the field and Washington will make sure that happens. Coupled with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas now has two very solid baseball minds and player-friendly leaders. Factor in Washington's experience dealing with a laid-back clubhouse and you'll see he's a perfect fit for the boisterous, yet self-deprecating, young leaders in the Texas clubhouse.

Coupled with the coup of landing Carlos Lee at the trade deadline, Daniels is now on a two-decision winning streak.