Rangers Not Done: Could Nelson Cruz's Return Spark Rangers Enough to Make Noise?

Three scorching hot teams in the American League wild card chase finished their 2013 seasons in the following fashion:

Cleveland (92-70) Won 10 straight
Texas (91-71): Won 7 straight
Tampa Bay (91-71): Won 8 of 10

So much drama in the M-L-B.

Dear Cleveland and Tampa Bay: Please Lose. Signed, Everyone.

Quick, someone poison the food of the Cleveland Indians who order room service this weekend in Minnesota. OK, maybe don't. But it seems that's the only way these guys will chalk one up in the "L" column right now.

Cleveland and Tampa Bay sit one game ahead of the Rangers for the final American League wild card spot with two games left in the 2013 regular season. Is it me, or does it seem like the flippin' Indians will ... not ... ever .... lose ... again ... seriously, like for the rest of time. Their eight in a row seem like 50 in a row.

Friends, welcome to September baseball.

Another Baseball Stadium Crossed off Bucket List: PETCO Park

San Diego - Whenever I visit an MLB stadium for the first time, it's an opportunity to cross off items from my sports bucket list. As a baseball dork, that consists of visiting all 30 MLB parks at some point in my lifetime.

This past weekend, my list became one park smaller after I attended a game at PETCO Park in San Diego. The Padres lost, 5-2, to the Mets.

Here's my running tally of parks attended:

1. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington: Texas Rangers
2. Kaufmann Stadium: Kansas City Royals
3. Wrigley Field: Chicago Cubs
4. Coors Field: Colorado Rockies
5. Dodger Stadiun: L.A. Dodgers
6. Sun Life Stadium: Florida Marlins (mid '90s)
7. PETCO Park: San Diego Padres

Reflection on Rangers Trading for Alex Rios

Given Chicago's initial asking price, which was somewhere high in outer space between Neptune and Pluto, trading for Alex Rios seemed like a stretch a few days ago for the Texas Rangers. Parting with any package headlined by Jurickson Profar, Leonys Martin or Martin Perez wasn't going to happen. So the Rangers stood pat at the July 31 trade deadline in their pursuit of a bat to replace the recently suspended Nelson Cruz.

It's a good thing that's all Texas did.

Giant Payroll Doesn't Necessarily Translate to Success Anymore in MLB

I noticed a common theme this weekend with some of the top payrolls in Major League Baseball. Two of the top three could very well miss the playoffs (bolded) in 2013.

Take a look at the complete list here. To be clear, we're talking opening day payroll in 2013:

• 1. New York Yankees: $228,995,945
• 2. L.A. Dodgers: $216,302,909
• 3. Philadelphia Phillies: $159,578,214

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).