First-place Texas adds another year to Hart’s contract

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers general manager John Hart will remain in his job for 2005, a year past his current contract.

Hart and owner Tom Hicks didn’t decide how long Hart will remain.

“As long as necessary, I think that’s probably the safest way to put it,” Hart said Wednesday. “I’ve made it clear to him that I’m going to be here.”

The Rangers, built around young talent, went into Wednesday night’s game against Anaheim with a 2 1/2 -game lead in the American League West. Hart, 56, was in the final year of his three-year GM contract.

“He’s done a good job and I’m excited,” said Rangers manager Buck Showalter, hired by Hart after the 2002 season.

Before coming to Texas, Hart transformed Cleveland from one of baseball’s worst teams into a perennial contender. The Indians, who had not made a postseason appearance since 1954, made the playoffs six of Hart’s last seven years and reached the World Series twice.

The Rangers are coming off four consecutive last-place finishes, the last two under Hart. Before that, they won three West titles in four seasons.