Arlington, TX - Ron Washington has resigned as manager of the Texas Rangers. http://www.officiallionsgear.com/Lions-Theo-Riddick-Draft-Jersey/ ;. Washington, who had led the club since the start of the 2007 season, has guided Texas to a 53-87 record in 2014, far and away the worst record in any of his seven-plus seasons at the helm. Tim Bogar has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the campaign. "Today, I have submitted my resignation from the job I love -- managing the Rangers -- in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter. As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is whats best for me and my family," Washington offered in a statement shortly after the news broke Friday afternoon. "This is in no way related to the disappointing performance of the team this season. We were already discussing 2015 and looking forward to getting the Rangers back to postseason contention. I deeply regret that Ive let down the Rangers organization and our great fans. Over the past eight seasons, its been a privilege to be part of some of the best years in club history and I will always be grateful for the opportunities Ive had here, and for the great management, players, and coaches who have made our time here a success. Thank you for respecting my privacy." Entering play on Friday, the Rangers occupied last place in the AL West, their lowest standing since Washington was named skipper. The Rangers had finished fourth in 2007, going 75-87, then placed second in back-to-back years before winning back-to-back division and league crowns in 2010-11. Texas won 93 and 91 games, respectively, in 2012 and 13, which was enough for the franchise to reward Washington with a contract extension -- announced this past February -- through the 2015 season. The 62-year-old native of New Orleans departs the club having posted a 664-611 record and led the Rangers to three postseason berths. Along with Tampa Bays Joe Maddon, Washington was the only other manager to guide a team to four straight seasons with 90 or more wins from 2010-13. "We accept Rons decision and are grateful for his many contributions to the Rangers organization over the last eight years," Rangers GM Jon Daniels said in a resulting statement. "This has certainly been a difficult season for our major league club in terms of on-field performance, but we were looking forward to moving ahead with Ron as our manager in 2015. "Ron has guided the Rangers franchise to more victories than any manager in club history, including four straight 90-win seasons, three playoff appearances, and back-to-back American League championships. He has left his mark as a teacher, motivator, and leader on this organization. We wish Ron the best as he deals with this matter."http://www.officiallionsgear.com/Lions-Tj-Jones-Draft-Jersey/ ;. Forward Iker Muniain scored the winner in the 70th minute after Bilbaos incessant pressure recovered the ball and sparked a counterattack inside Barcelonas half. Neymar was once again tagged to pick up Messis goal-scoring duties, but when he wasnt frustrated by slippery footing Bilbaos defence got the better of him. Tracy Walker Jersey .B. -- Canadas Rachel Homan opened the Ford Womens World Curling Championship with a 7-5 win over Russia on Saturday.DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Alex Anthopoulos spoke volumes with what he didnt say on right-hander Ervin Santana. The Blue Jays had been in the mix for the former Kansas City Royal with several Toronto players making a public plea to sign the 33-year-old former all-star. But Santana, a Dominican who counts several Jays as friends, elected instead to sign with the injury-ravaged Atlanta Braves. "I probably dont want to comment on how close I felt we got or didnt get," the Blue Jays general manager said Wednesday. Anthopoulos deflected many questions on Santana, leaving the impression he was not happy with the way the process had gone. Asked if he felt used, he said "No, no. But (thats) probably the only thing Im going to say." Money and terms apparently werent factors in Santanas decision to sign with Atlanta. "He had a strong desire to pitch in the NL and there was no way to compete with that," said Anthopoulos, who is also Torontos senior vice-president of baseball operations. Was that always the case, he was asked? "Very good question," Anthopoulos replied, before suggesting it was better directed at the pitchers camp. However the Jays GM did say he was told "recently" of that strong NL interest. Such hints aside, Anthopoulos was clearly looking to take the high road, "Obviously its done. He made his decision. Hes in Atlanta. Great signing for them. I wish him the best. Sorry it didnt work out with us." Certainly the NL East, home to the .sub-500 Miami Marlins, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies last season, might seem more hospitable than the thorny AL East. Especially when Santana is eligible for free agency again after this season. Santana has spent his entire career in the American League, with eight seasons as a Los Angeles Angel before being traded to the Royals in 2013. His career record is 105-90 with a 4.19 ERA. He became a free agent after turning down a US$14.1-million qualifying one-year offer from the Royals. Its the same deal he accepted from the Braves and likely in the same ballpark as the Jays offer. Minnesota reportedly tendered a thrree-year offer but at a lesser annual rate. Ziggy Ansah Jersey. Unlike last off-season, the Jays have been quiet in player acquisitions. So the Santana snub stands front and centre. Anthopoulos said everyone in the organization wanted Santana to become a Jay. "I think we all feel we did everything we could," he added. With Josh Johnson gone and question-marks over J.A. Happ and Ricky Romero, the Jays have been looking to bolster a starting rotation that features R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle and Brandon Morrow. Asked about the paucity of additions, Anthopoulos instead pointed to the healthy return of players like outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Drew Hutchison. "We think Drews got a chance to be outstanding and hes put himself in a great position to make this club. I think if he does make this club, hes got a chance to have a tremendous year." Anthopoulos acknowledged the questions from fans and other observers. "All that being said, I can understand skepticism that comes with the job, the performance we had on the field last year. I think we will show how good we are when we break (spring training). I think the guys that we have tremendous upside but we would have loved to add someone just to have depth." "We werent going to force a deal and do things we really didnt believe in just to make a splash," he added. The GM said the Jays were "extremely close" to landing another starting pitcher in a trade only to see it not happen. He did not provide any other details. Bottom line, he says, the Jays like their talent but know it lacks seasoning in some quarters. So the search continues for that experience. NOTES -- Happ, whose spring training progress has been delayed by back problems, threw a side session Tuesday and "everything felt good," according to manager John Gibbons. Closer Casey Janssen, who has had soreness in his shoulder, was scheduled to throw a side session Wednesday. Dustin McGowan is also back after losing eight pounds to the same stomach bug that hit fellow pitcher Sergio Santos. 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