Kenny Rogers Quietly Mulls Retirement

If you haven't really been thinking much about Kenny Rogers this offseason, you aren't alone. He's been pretty silent for a long time. He isn't under contract to pitch for anyone, yet the 44-year-old hasn't made a formal announcement concerning his retirement.

The Tigers are moving forward assuming he's not going to play, and no one else has really mentioned him as a serious candidate to round out their rotation. The timing could be right, considering how good a career Rogers has put together and that 2008 was one of the worst statistical seasons in his career.

The most interesting thing in the discussion is how Rogers isn't really coming out with a concrete decision. This is causing friends, like current pitching coach, Rick Knapp, to believe he may still be undecided.

"I know that he's probably struggling with it a little bit. He's in such great physical condition. I think he doesn't want to make an announcement and then go back against it, like Brett Favre. I think he's kind of sitting on the sidelines, seeing how it goes."

Oh, c'mon, Mr. Knapp -- why do you have to win me over like that? Any reference to Favre doing something negative is sure to be a big hit with me. You have to respect Rogers for not attempting to keep himself in the spotlight by constantly discussing his fluctuating feelings on retirement.

As I said above, if Rogers does retire, he's put together a good career. He'll likely most be remembered for his perfect game, spotted with great catches from Rusty Greer and the play-by-play announcer's "oh baby!" He'll also be remembered quite well for his stellar work in the 2006 playoffs, where he didn't give up a single run in 23 innings. His masterpiece against the Yankees' loaded lineup in the ALDS was easily the most impressive.

On the negative side of things, there was that whole spat against the cameraman in Texas, and then again when he was in the police station, responding to the charges. It painted Rogers as one of those athletes who has a sense of entitlement and feels they are above the law. He also didn't really take well to his time in New York.

Overall, though, he has nothing to be ashamed about. He's been a four-time All-Star and won 219 games in 20 seasons. He did so without overly impressive stuff, which means the next phase of his career could be as a pitching coach.

Let's just hope they keep the cameras out of his face when his staff is struggling.