Washington impressed with Soto's attitude

ARLINGTON -- Rangers catcher Geovany Soto, with just six games to go in the regular season, was out early on Tuesday working on his throwing with roving catching instructor Junior Ortiz.

"Just routine," Soto said. "Just staying on my routine and keep working."

Maybe, but Soto's attitude and work ethic in accepting a backup role is greatly appreciated by manager Ron Washington. It's why Washington wants Soto back next season.

"He has been a pro and a great teammate," Washington said. "He doesn't complain about anything. All he does is want to win and when he gets his opportunity, he's always ready. You don't want complainers. When you have complainers, all they have is built-in excuses. He just goes out there and plays baseball.

"That's what you want from your young players. You get to the point where you've played baseball all your life. No matter how much you play, that's when you go out and play. He came here with that attitude. He loves to play the game and he loves to win. He's a great teammate. He could have been a weight on this team and pulled us down. He didn't."

Soto is eligible for free agency and despite spending the season backing up A.J. Pierzynski, he still said he would like to return to the Rangers next season.

"I'd love to be here," Soto said. "This team is unbelievable. We have a great clubhouse. I'd love to be here. Everybody gets along and everybody pulls for each other."