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).

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: