Scott Rolen is expected to retire.  This news is not recent or new.  The possibility of his retirement broke in early October.  However, the Cincinnati Reds' GM Walt Jocketty is expected to speak with Rolen after Thanksgiving.

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Rolen has not yet officially retired, so the team wants to talk with him and see if he will return to the game.  Rolen has battled shoulder and other injuries for his entire career.  That has weighed in his decision and cause him to lean toward retirement. But there's still a chance Rolen could return.


This past season, Rolen once again dealt with injuries to his left shoulder.  The injuries have kept him from developing into the third baseman most people thought he would be.  There's little doubt that Rolen had the talent to be one of the game's best.  However, he worked within his injury confines and still carved out a solid Major League career.

In 17 seasons, Rolen has hit .281/.364/.490.  He has 316 home runs in his career.  Rolen won Rookie of the Year in 1997.  He is a seven-time All-Star and eight Gold Gloves.  Rolen's best season may have come in 2004 when he hit .314/.409/.598 with 34 homes runs.

If Rolen calls it a career, he can be proud.  However, it would be understandable if he made a return.

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