ARLINGTON, Texas -- Manager Ron Washington likes the way Josh Hamilton is accepting a leadership role with the Rangers almost as much as he enjoys watching the MVP candidate hit, run and throw.

“Josh is a leader on the bench now,’’ Washington said. “He’s cheerleading, he’s telling guys to take their time, not be in a hurry. Everything he says, he’s doing.’’

The manager said he noticed a positive change in Hamilton this season.

“If you have the ability he has, guys would follow him,’’ Washington said. “About halfway through this season, I noticed a change. I think is maturity. He’s expecting the same things from his teammates he expects from himself.’’

Even