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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have cut several front office staffers as owner Tom Hicks explores selling the team.

Rangers spokesman John Blake today said the cuts amounted to less than 10 percent of the staff. Blake says the possible sale of the team is among several factors that led to the layoffs.

The Rangers -- before the cuts -- had about 275 employees, excluding onfield personnel.

The move came despite the first-place Rangers enjoying a resurgence at the gate. Attendance has increased about 11 percent over last year.

Hicks Sports Group earlier this year defaulted on $525 million in loans backed by the Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars -- also owned by Hicks.

Two years ago Hicks combined with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. to buy the English soccer club Liverpool through an entity separate from the group facing default.