Ron Washington just got his contract extended by the Texas Rangers through the 2014 season. That's the kind of thing that happens when you've taken a team to the World Series two years in a row. But while Washington is among the most successful and respected managers in the game now, it's interesting to look back on the beginning of his tenure. Lone Star Ball:

Kind of amazing that the guy who some thought was going to be fired both early in the 2007 season and early in the 2008 season is not only still here, but seems like a near-lock to be the Rangers' manager at least through the end of this latest extension.

In 2007, there were rumors of a rift between Washington and Mark Teixeira, and the Rangers were 23-42 on June 13. In 2008, the Rangers were 9-18 on April 29. In March 2010, it was reported that Washington had tested positive for cocaine in 2009. Washington, suffice to say, has been through a lot. But Washington's been at the helm for consecutive Series trips, and it's funny what winning does for the ills.