Rangers players are at the forefront of the growing rebellion against Seattle's new policy of concerning "dues" paid by teams to the visiting clubhouse managers at Safeco Field.

Players traditionally pay $70 per game, with $50 by managers and staff members, as "dues" to the clubhouse attendant. It is a voluntary payment.

Players often throw in tips to their payments. In return, the clubhouse manager and his staff provide a variety of services, including pre- and post-game meals. The clubhouse manager foots the bills and shares the dues, minus expenses, and tips with his staff.

The Mariners instituted a policy this year in which 60 percent of the dues go to the club. In June, the Rangers balked at the change and refused to pay dues, saying it violated the financial agreement between teams and the clubhouse staff. Oakland did the same thing earlier in the month, and the Chicago White Sox joined the revolt this month.

"These are the guys who are doing everything for us, and that money should be going to them," said Derek Holland, the Rangers' player representative. "To have some of that money taken away from them, we think it's not right."

Holland said the players hope the situation is resolved before the club returns to Seattle in September. The issue could become part of talks on a new collective bargaining agreement.

BRIEFLY: Reliever Keone Kela was unavailable after working a career-high two innings with 20 pitches Friday. "My body felt great," said Kela, who had surgery in April to remove a bone spur from the right elbow. "If the time comes when they need me in that situation, I could fill that job." ... Justin Ruggiano, released by the Rangers from a Triple-A contract, signed with the New York Mets and started in center field. ... Oscar Marin, pitching coach with High Desert of the High-A California League, will be the organization staffer in the Arizona Fall League. High Desert, which plays in the most hitter-friendly home park in the minors, began the day with a 4.21 ERA. That would be the lowest ERA for a full season at High Desert since 1998, when it had a 3.84 ERA while affiliated with Arizona. Seven pitchers from that club appeared in the majors.