New Ranger head Bucks management
by Nick Nance, managing editor

    Yes, it is true: the Buck has stopped here. The Texas Rangers has named Buck Showalter to fill the vacancy left when Manager Jerry Narron was let go.

   The Rangers and Showalter have agreed to a four-year deal, which the Dallas Morning News reported was worth $6 million over the length of the contract.

   Showalter has a 563-504 win-loss record in six Major League seasons with the Arizona Diamond-backs and the New York Yankees.

   Despite being a stern disciplinarian and strong leader, Showalter has another distinction; the Diamondbacks and Yankees each won the World Series the year after he was dismissed.

   In 1994 the New York Yankees had the best record in the American League, and Showalter was named manager of the year. He was also named Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America in 1989.

   One of Showalter’s most well-known actions was when he handed out a 300-page organizational manual to players during his first year in Arizona.

   Showalter knows he must waste no time in assembling his staff. He has referred to this process as assembling his “championship puzzle.”

   It is a puzzle of character. It’s a combination of discipline and respect Showalter values so much he walked away from the Yankees after nearly two decades of service because George Steinbrenner threatened to disband the coaching staff and tear his puzzle apart.

   “The 19 years was tough to walk away from, but there came a point where you had to make a decision about a certain way you want to go about your life as far as a loyalty factor,” Showalter said. “I felt the guys were doing the job.”

   Showalter, Rangers general manager John Hart and owner Tom Hicks have expressed their dedication to improving on the Rangers performance the last three years.

   Over the past three years, the Rangers have managed to finish in last place each year despite their huge growth in payroll.

   The assembling of the coaching staff will likely be completed within the next few weeks.

   Former bullpen coach Jamie Quirk has accepted a position with the Colorado Rockies.

   The loss of Quirk will not hurt the Rangers. The Rangers bullpen has been sub-par for the last few years, so a change will be beneficial.

   Ranger’s bench coach Terry Francona recently interviewed for the vacant managerial job with the New York Mets and, according to published reports, is a contender for the position.

   Francona’s move will leave another hole for Showalter to fill. While working on his staff, he is planning to visit with at least half a dozen veteran players and see as much baseball as possible in the next several weeks.

   Showalter is already showing his interest in scouting internationally by learning Spanish.

   After completing his coaching staff, Showalter must immediately focus on player retention.

   Most importantly he must devise a plan to keep all-star catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

   Showalter will face many decisions as manager, but his record proves he is more than capable to make the right decisions and put the Rangers back on top soon.