Ron Washington tells a story that sheds light on why the Rangers, two-time reigning American League champions, are so much more than the popular image of a marauding band of bash brothers, pounding the opposition into submission.

A players' manager of the highest order, respected for the freedoms and trust he grants his athletes, Washington has his rules and regulations.

Above all, this man, who was content teaching infielders and flashing signs from the third-base coach's station, is fastidious about fundamentals, about playing the game the right way and making no excuses. He will not compromise there.

When one of his players gets mentally lazy -- no matter the rank -- the nice-guy manager will vent. On this particular occasion, he was on his way to the offending athlete's locker after the game to hammer home a point.

"Before I got there," Washington said, "I saw Adrian [Beltre] in his face, letting him have it. I turned and went back to my office. That's what you want on your team, and that's what we have. These guys run their clubhouse. We have strong leaders on this team."

The Rangers are rawhide-tough. Balancing the voices of authority, such as Beltre and Michael Young, is the light, fun-loving touch of Elvis Andrus, who can create a party atmosphere in a heartbeat.

To sustain winning chemistry over a long season, you need that positive energy along with the physical and emotional commitment. In spite of the rueful way the 2011 season ended, the Rangers still have it. It's impossible to miss.

Supremely confident, they are destined to reach their promised land, at last, in 2012. They have the resources -- pitching, power, defense, speed -- and the mental toughness. Having achieved so much these past three seasons, the final hurdle awaits.

It's time to win the World Series.

Everyone knows how close they came last season when the Cardinals staged their comeback of the ages. Game 6 of the 2011 Fall Classic is the stuff of legend -- at the Rangers' expense. Game 7 became an extension of the implausible way Game 6 played out.

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Rangers have resources, chemistry to win it all