ARLINGTON, Texas -- The dissatisfaction Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels feels about the team missing the playoffs is no reflection of how he regards manager Ron Washington. While the Rangers arent in the playoffs for the first time in four years, Daniels said Thursday that he feels "as strong about" Washington as he ever has. Washington has only next season remaining on his contract, but Daniels plans to sit down with him to discuss that situation. Texas has averaged more than 91 wins a year the past five seasons and made its only two World Series appearances in that span. Asked if it was a fair assumption Washington would get a contract extension, Daniels replied, "That would be my preference." The GM said he hadnt yet had an opportunity to speak with ownership about that. During more than 45 minutes discussing the season, Daniels also acknowledged that major league strikeout leader Yu Darvish (13-9, 277 strikeouts) dealt with a nerve issue in his lower back for than a month at the end of the season. The pitcher had an injection Wednesday and was flying home to Japan for about a month. The Rangers expect him to be fully healthy by next spring. For the second year in a row since their AL championship seasons in 2010 and 2011, the Rangers were done after losing a must-win game in their 163rd game. They lost in the first AL wild-card game at home last year and this week missed the playoffs with 91 wins after losing at home to Tampa Bay in the majors first wild-card tiebreaker game since 2007. "On one hand, weve averaged over 90 wins the last five years, weve had a lot of success organizationally, a lot of individuals having a lot of success. ... Were in the middle of what we feel is a tremendous run," Daniels said. "At the same time, one-and-done is not good enough. Its two years in a row weve been in this spot, and it hurts. I can tell you we want more." Daniels had just completed his first year as GM when he fired Buck Showalter after the 2006 season and replaced him with the longtime Oakland third-base coach who then had no major league managerial experience. Washington now is the teams winningest manager (611-522) after seven seasons. "To the degree that that was any speculation (about his job) late in the year ... that was always rumour mill-driven," Daniels said. "I feel the same way, just as strong about Wash as I ever have." After an AL-best record of 20-7 in August and with a two-game lead in the AL West, the Rangers started September with a 5-15 slide. That included being swept in a six-game homestand by Pittsburgh and Oakland, though they won all seven games on their last homestand to force the tiebreaker. It was the second year in a row a September slump cost the Rangers the AL West title. There was a 4-9 finish to the 2012 regular season. The Rangers staff ERA of 3.62 was their best since 1983. But after losing sluggers Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli in free agency last winter, their 730 runs were the fewest in a full season since 1992. " Who would have thought five, six years ago wed be talking about the pitching being the strength of the club," Daniels said. And the core of the starting rotation is still signed for multiple years, including Darvish and left-handers Derek Holland (10-9) and Matt Harrison, the years opening day starter who pitched only twice before two operations on a herniated disk in his lower back. Darvish didnt pitch past the sixth inning in any of his last three starts, though the Rangers won each of those games. Texas was 0-6 his six previous starts, five of them one-run games (including consecutive 1-0 losses). Daniels said the nerve started bothering Darvish in August, and that the team agreed with the pitchers decision not to have the injection during the season. "Effectively he had a nerve issue in his lower back that caused him to use strength after a period of time in his right leg," Daniels said. "He wasnt as powerful as he wanted to be after being out there for an extended period. ... He chose not to have injection because it would have required him to miss a start. He did not want to do that, he wanted to take the ball every five days. I commend him for that." Wholesale NHL Jerseys . - The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent centre Brian de la Puente. Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic .com) - Nicolas Colsaerts fired an 11-under 60 on Thursday and grabbed a 3-stroke lead with the opening round of the Portugal Masters suspended by rain. https://www.chinanhljerseys.us/. He was attracted by the punishing defence, the strong running game and a coaching staff he trusted. The 49ers announced Thursday that Manningham had signed a two-year deal to join the team he helped knock out in the NFC championship game two months ago in their latest offensive upgrade at wide receiver. NHL Jerseys China . He, the 25-year-old Toronto backup net-minder and Manitoba native, would be making just his fourth start in the past 16 games against the Jets the following evening. It was the word of opportunity for Reimer, who has fallen into the role of backup, outmatched in recent weeks by Jonathan Bernier, his Quebec counterpart. NHL Jerseys Outlet . - Ryan Spooner scored twice to lead the Boston Bruins to a 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders in a preseason game Friday night.ATLANTA - The Hawks needed a little time — and a strong halftime push from coach Mike Budenholzer — to forget about a tough loss the previous night and focus on the Knicks.Kyle Korver scored 27 points and Atlanta overcame a strong start by Carmelo Anthony and New York to win 103-96 on Saturday night.The Knicks were handed their fourth straight loss.Jeff Teague had 19 points for Atlanta, which recovered after losing back-to-back road games at San Antonio and Charlotte by a combined five points. Korver said it wasnt easy to block out Friday nights 122-119 double-overtime loss to Charlotte.We made a little adjustment, but most of it was we lost in double-overtime last night and we came out a little sluggish, said Korver, who added that Budenholzer really challenged us at halftime, and guys responded.Anthony led New York with 20 points, including 14 in the first quarter. Iman Shumpert had 19.Anthony shot 6 of 10 from the field in the first period and 2 for 10 the rest of the game.I felt great. Coming into the game, I felt good, Anthony said. I felt good in the first quarter. I just kind of cooled down from there. I cant put a finger on exactly what happened from there.The Knicks led 61-48 at halftime before the Hawks rallied to take the lead with the final basket of the third period.I think we got over being tired and started playing, Teague said. Our feet were in sand at the beginning of the game.After several lead changes in the fourth, the Hawks took a 94-88 advantage with seven straight points, including a 3-pointer by Korver and two baskets by Teague.With Anthony leading the way, the Knicks led 32-20 after the first period. New York stretched it to 61-48 at halftime even though Anthony didnt score in the second quarter.Budenholzer said before the game he hoped improved depth would give Atlanta an advantage when playing on consecutive nights. The Hawks and Knicks travelled following losses to Charlotte and Brooklyn, respectively, on Friday night.With the Knicks down to 12 players, Atlantas deep beench showed in the second half.ddddddddddddThe Hawks outscored the Knicks 27-13 in the third quarter.I think they upped their energy a bit, New York coach Derek Fisher said. I think they felt like they got pushed around in the first half.The Hawks went up 5-3 and didnt lead again until a fast-break drive by Thabo Sefolosha gave Atlanta a 75-74 edge to close the third quarter.Tim Hardaway Jr. had 15 points and Amare Stoudemire scored 14 for the Knicks, who are still adjusting to the triangle offence.The lack of confidence we have as a team, its affecting both ends of the court, Anthony said.Fisher blamed the Knicks offensive letdown on just not being able to get the ball moving as much in the second half.DeMarre Carroll scored 12 points and Paul Millsap had 11 points with 13 rebounds for Atlanta. Millsap drew the primary defensive assignment on Anthony, but had help from Sefolosha and Carroll.___TIP-INSKnicks: Shumpert, who fouled out with 43 seconds remaining, was back at small forward after starting at point guard in Friday nights loss to the Nets. Shane Larkin, who came off the bench against the Nets, started at point guard and had nine points.Hawks: Second-year guard Dennis Schroeders role continues to grow. He had 11 points and five steals in 20 minutes. Instead of seeing minutes only behind Teague, Schroeder played much of the second quarter with the starting point guard.UP NEXTKnicks: Host Hawks on Monday night.Hawks: Play at Knicks on Monday night.GUARDS DOWNThe Knicks again were without point guards Jose Calderon (strained right calf) and Pablo Prigioni (sprained right ankle). Prigioni, who did not travel, missed his second straight game, and Calderon hasnt played this season.We still have 12 guys who are NBA players, Fisher said. We just have to figure it out.FOUL PLAYThe Knicks were called for 29 fouls — 12 more than the Hawks. We couldnt figure out a way to defend without fouling, Fisher said. The imbalance helped Atlanta outscore New York 28-8 from the free throw line. ' ' '