The Texas Rangers made an important financial commitment to players before the 2022 season, hoping to return to contention soon.
They spent $500 million just on Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, and also added Jon Gray, Kole Calhoun, Martin Perez and others.
The results weren’t great, as they finished the campaign with a 68-94 record.
Among other things, ownership decided to dismiss Chris Woodward and bring in a new manager.
That manager is Bruce Bochy.
His designation is a bit shocking because he had been out of the league since 2019.
However, he is said to be looking forward to returning to the dugout.
People See It As A Great Hire
Specialized Rangers blog Nolan Writin’ called it a fantastic addition as players could be more keen on joining the Rangers as free agents knowing the franchise is bringing in a proven winner.
“After the turmoil of last season, they have reason to believe with Bruce Bochy in the dugout. Absolutely fantastic hire,” they wrote.
And just as importantly, so would the guys already in organization. After the turmoil of last season, they have reason to believe with Bruce Bochy in the dugout. Absolutely fantastic hire. https://t.co/rmvcbIwsqB
— Nolan Writin' (@NolanWritinFS) October 21, 2022
Bochy has gone to four World Series as a manager, winning three of them (all with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014).
He knows what it takes to win in the playoffs.
“Wow. Bruce Bochy is back. Good for the Texas Rangers. Good for baseball. These senior citizen managers really do know what they’re doing. Baker, Showalter, Melvin, Francona are difference makers. There’s more to managing than being a technocratic clerk in servitude to the geeks,” Howie Rose said, adding a jab to sabermetrics.
Wow. Bruce Bochy is back. Good for the Texas Rangers. Good for baseball. These senior citizen managers really do know what they’re doing. Baker, Showalter, Melvin, Francona are difference makers. There’s more to managing than being a technocratic clerk in servitude to the geeks.
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) October 21, 2022
Analyst Danny Vietti reminded is all about Bochy’s accomplishments.
Texas Rangers announce they have hired Bruce Bochy to be their next manager.
3x World Series champion
1x Manager of the Year
4 World Series appearances
2,003 career managerial victories pic.twitter.com/VQCpW5vRlQ— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) October 21, 2022
Some fans offered a dose of reality in a fun way:
As a life-long, long-suffering @Rangers fan (if you are a Rangers fan, you are automatically long-suffering 😜) I am thrilled that @BruceBochy is our new manager – there is hope! 😊👏🎊🙏
— Daren Snow (@darenksnow8887) October 21, 2022
In the end, it’s a solid hire by a team looking to return to relevancy after several lost years.
NEXT: Rangers Reveal The Team's Shocking New Manager