Long-time Major Leaguer Miguel Cairo has retired.  The former infielder has decided to call it quits without walking away from baseball entirely.  He has accepted a job with the Cincinnati Reds' front office which will allow him to stay close to the game.

According to a tweet from the Reds organization, Cairo will join the front office as a special assistant.

Miguel Cairo joins Reds' baseball operations staff as special assistant to general manager Walt Jocketty.
— Reds (@Reds) February 14, 2013

The special assistant role is the role most former players occupy when they first move into a front office position.  Essentially their job functionality can be anything from providing advice on current players, discussing contract options, or simply shooting the breeze with the GM.

Cairo was a productive Major League in his 17-year career.  He played for nine different teams in that time and hit .264/.314/.361.  He was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent back in 1990.  He made his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.
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