Amid struggles, Rangers hold players-only meeting

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rangers, having lost six straight games and 12 of their last 15, held a players-only meeting before Monday's game against the Rays. Veteran infielders Adrian Beltre and Ian Kinsler were among those who spoke.

"It was a good meeting," outfielder David Murphy said. "We talked about what we've been going through the last week or two. Everybody is back on the same page. We're basically ready to give it everything we've got and put our best effort out there the last 14 games."

The Rangers were swept by the Athletics over the weekend and are 6 1/2 games behind them in the American League West, but they went into Monday's game tied with the Rays for the top Wild Card spot, a half-game ahead of the Indians. The Orioles were 2 1/2 games behind, the Yankees are three back and the Royals are trailing by 3 1/2. Following their four-game series with the Rays, the Rangers play three against the Royals this weekend in Kansas City.

As far as the players meeting, manager Ron Washington said, "I'm glad they did that, but I just don't want them to just talk about it. I want them to go out and do it on the field. It's not what they say, it's what they do."

Washington held a team meeting during the last road trip and one in August in Cleveland.

"I've had many meetings," he said. "I don't feel like I need to hold another one."