ARLINGTON, Texas -- Wearing a Roy Hobbs "Knights" jersey as he walked in the clubhouse, Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton said he respects CEO and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's opinion and that his plan is to try to be more focused and patient at the plate in an effort to climb out of his slump.

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Ryan said Monday on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's Galloway and Company that "there's a lot of those at-bats that he (Hamilton) just gives away" and that the outfielder didn't "seem to be locked in at all."

"I love and respect Nolan to death," Hamilton said. "He's a competitor. He's still a competitor and was a big-time competitor. I believe he cares so much for us as players, almost like a grandfather would, that when he sees us not performing or doing the things we need to do, it frustrates him.

"I understand why it frustrates him. I can't blame him for anything. I have to keep doing what I can do, working on what I can work on, go up there and try to be a little more focused and patient and do the best I can."

Hamilton, who said he believes he's getting ready to turn things around, said he feels "out of sorts mentally."

"Usually you get into trouble when you start thinking about stuff," Hamilton said. "It's the mental aspects more than the physical. That's where I think I am right now."

Hamilton hit just .223 in June and is batting .161 in July going into Wednesday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox. His struggles have dropped his average to .290 after a torrid start that included AL Player of the Month honors in April and May.

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