ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, October 8, 1996 TAG: 9610080045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Sporting News and Associated Press reports
There was a stunning sight at the Texas Rangers' training camp. On a cold February morning, the team took the field in Port Charlotte, Fla., with every starting player in camp. The surprising thing was, it was two days before position players were required to report.
``I don't think I've ever seen a training camp where every starter was in camp two days early,'' said Jerry Narron, the Rangers' third-base coach.
Especially not in the Rangers' camp, a place in the past where players seemed to have the freedom to come and go as they liked and do as they pleased. ``I think what you're seeing now is a strong group of professionals and that's an attitude that starts at the top,'' designated hitter Mickey Tettleton said.
The attitude started with Johnny Oates, who was beginning his second full season as manager. In just one year, he had changed the players from a me-first, underachieving group of highly talented players to a close-knit, team-oriented club that became known more for its grit and resiliency than its ability.
Clearly, things were going to be different. The Rangers jumped out to a quick start - the best in team history - and held on down the stretch to bring the franchise its first division championship. As a reward for orchestrating this turnaround, Oates has been selected The Sporting News American League Manager of the Year in a vote of league managers. Oates had nine of 14 votes, eclipsing the New York Yankees' Joe Torre (four) and the Cleveland Indians' Mike Hargrove (one).
``It's an honor to be selected by your peers, especially since so many of them did such a great job,'' said Oates, a one-time Virginia Tech standout. ``Hargrove did a great job in Cleveland; I know how hard it is when you're expected to win. Davey Johnson in Baltimore Torre in New York Lou Piniella did an outstanding job in Seattle.
``But really you have to give the credit to the players. They're the ones who go out there and play and do it. I just try not to screw it up.''
Oates, 50, has amassed a .523 winning percentage in six seasons at Baltimore and Texas. He's got a reputation as a players' manager who earns the respect of his charges.
``Johnny is a true friend, but yet he's someone who will get on your rear sometimes,'' Tettleton said. ``He's tremendous. You're not going to find anybody better in the game.''
Doug Melvin, the man who hired Oates, was named major league executive of the year by The Sporting News, and Rangers shortstop Kevin Elster was chosen the league's comeback player of the year.
Seattle Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriguez was named the magazine's major-league player of the year.
In other baseball news:
SAVING GRACE: After a career year at the plate, Mark Grace will be with the Chicago Cubs for at least two more seasons, agreeing to a $9.35 million contract with a team option for 1999.
Grace, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove first baseman, finished in the NL's top 10 in hitting this year for the seventh time in nine major-league seasons, all with the Cubs.
Grace, 32, batted a career-high .331 - fifth-highest in the league - with 39 doubles, nine homers and 75 RBI. He lifted his lifetime hitting average to
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Oates.by CNB