World Series-bound

Now president of the Texas Rangers, Nolan Ryan had reasons to smile in spring training. A staff of good young pitchers and savvy veteran pickups, such as Vlad Guerrero (below) put the Rangers in position to win the AL West, and after knocking off the favored Yankees in the ALCS, the club's first pennant. Though he's no longer in uniform, it's worth noting that is the first time Ryan has been on a World Series team since 1969.
Below, Ron Washington, once on the hot seat after admitting he'd used cocaine, could be in line for Manager of the Year honors as the team gets ready for its first World Series appearance.

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