The Long Awaited MLB All-Star Game Post From Citi Field

New York - I made it back from the All-Star Game on schedule, but due to an inconsiderate friend's wedding, I am just now giving my report.

Before I get into the All-Star festivities, how about JD coming through on Monday and getting Matt Garza?! As you probably can figure out from my previous post, I am absolutely thrilled. Hopefully, the Rangers are now turning their attention to acquiring an outfield bat (Hunter Pence or Alex Rios), especially with the Ryan Braun suspension coming down from MLB today (Nelson Cruz might be in trouble).

Reaction to Rangers trade to acquire Matt Garza from Cubs

Photo credit: ESPN.com

In a deal that had been rumored to take place for several days, the Texas Rangers pulled the hot stove trigger to acquire Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs for prospects Mike Olt, C.J. Edwards and Justin Grimm.

There's no doubt this deal makes Texas a better team this season. But what about beyond then? Jury's still out.

What Needs to Happen for the Rangers to Make Playoff Run in 2013

A few things have to happen for the Texas Rangers to emerge as American League West champions this season. In a first half littered with injuries to the starting rotation, it's amazing Texas sits at 54-41, two games back of Oakland in the division.

Matt Harrison, Alexi Ogando, Colby Lewis and Neftali Feliz all missed significant time on the shelf in the first half. The offense at times has looked putrid. To be sitting at 54-41 is a testament to this team's depth.

That said, Texas won't make the playoffs if it rides this personnel into August and September. Situations have to change. Here are my top 5 things that have to happen for the Rangers to make a playoff run this year:

What Should Rangers Do With Trade Deadline Looming?

It’s that time of year again and the Rangers are sure to be a major factor as we near the 2013 trade deadline. Even without a potential 50-game suspension coming for Nelson Cruz, the Rangers are looking for a starting pitcher and a bat (this gets capitalized and bolded if MLB drops the hammer on Nelly).

I’m sure general manager Jon Daniels is miles ahead of me, but I’m going to take a stab at offering my thoughts on a few trade scenarios.

My Picks for 2013 MLB All-Star Game

With a little more than a week left until the halfway point of the 2013 season, the Texas Rangers stand at 50-36, a half-game back of the Athletics for first place in the American League West. It's been a rocky first half, filled with the typical roller-caster rides of momentum, injuries and rising young studs (welcome to the show, Leonys Martin and Tanner Scheppers). It actually feels like a mediocre season, but the team is on pace to win more than 100 games with three rookie pitchers in the starting rotation, so there's not a ton of room for complaining.