Judge Orders Rangers Manager to Win World Series – Bankruptcy Beat – WSJ

Bankruptcy Judge D. Michael Lynn handed down a hefty order to Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington when the skipper appeared Thursday to testify in the team’s bankruptcy case: Bring a World Series trophy back to the Lone Star state.

“I’ve directed that you win the pennant and the world championship,” said the Fort Worth judge, who made no attempt to hide his affection for the hometown Rangers.

Lynn said he suspected his order wouldn’t carry the same weight as Washington’s coaching in the dugout, but the manager disagreed.

“It will,” Washington said. He went on to thank the judge for his support of the team.

Washington was called to testify about how an extended stay in bankruptcy would affect the Rangers.

The first-place team’s morale is “unbelievably good” at the moment, Washington said, but he said that could change if uncertainly over ownership drags on and casts doubt over the club’s ability to renew players’ contracts or provide Major League amenities.

Lynn sought to assure Washington about the team’s finances and invited the manager and his players to come to the court with any concerns.

“The finances needed for this team to complete as well as they have will be available — I want the players to understand that,” Lynn said. “We won’t change you from (traveling in) a jet to a school bus.”

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