John Hart to remain as Rangers' GM, at least through next season

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Texas 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 GM.
"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 21/2-game AL West lead. Hart, 56, was in the final year of his three-year GM contract.
"He's done a good job, and I'm excited," said manager Buck Showalter, hired by Hart after the 2002 season. "Hopefully, we can continue to make strides to get where we want to go."
Former Cleveland GM
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 three straight last-place finishes, the last two under Hart.
"The interest that we have here is in sustaining long-term success and continue to provide opportunity for our young players," Hart said. "To put something out there that is a sustained contending type club is what the ultimate goal is. We're on the right track."
Hicks, on vacation in California, didn't return messages. After meeting with Hart during the All-Star break, Hicks had said a decision on the GM position wouldn't be made until after the season.