Scott Rolen Expected To Retire

[jlohm1]

Veteran third baseman Scott Rolen is preparing to retire, though he will delay an official announcement until later in the offseason, reports USA Today's Bob Nightengale (via Twitter). Rolen was non-committal about his future when talking to reporters (including John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer) following the Reds' elimination from the NLDS today, just noting that his contract with the Reds was up and that he was "going to go home and be a dad."

It's a tough ending for Rolen, who struck out in the final at-bat of the series and also made an error in the 10th inning in Game Three that led to the Giants scoring the game-winning run. Rolen hit .245/.318/.398 in 330 plate appearances for Cincinnati this year, with his playing time limited by both injuries and the Reds' desire to fit rookie Todd Frazier into the lineup. Rolen signed a two-year, $13MM extension with the Reds in December 2009 that covered the 2011-12 seasons.

Injuries plagued Rolen throughout the latter years of his career, though his credentials could still end up earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Highlights include the 1997 NL Rookie of the Year Award, seven All-Star appearances, a .281/.364/.490 batting line over 17 seasons, 316 homers and a World Series ring with the 2006 Cardinals. Despite his impressive hitting numbers, Rolen may be best remembered as one of the game's great defensive third basemen, as the eight-time Gold Glover trails only Brooks Robinson (16) and Mike Schmidt (10) for number of Gold Gloves won at the hot corner.

Mark Polishuk via MLBTR

to a great career. I'm glad that I can say he was a Red. I think he will make a great coach someday, If that's what he chooses to do. I think it's nice to see him retire quietly, unlike Chipper, to be honest.

[MetsFanatic19]

It's a shame he's going out after making an error that cost the Reds a chance to advance.

Anyway, very good player, very good career. I wish him the best of luck.

[popo85]

A-Rod to follow

[Driven]

Love Rolen

[lincecum=future]

One of my favorite all time players. Kind of sad and weak that some Reds fans are using him as a scapegoat to why they lost the series to the Giants.

[Jeffy25]

Belongs in Cooperstown

[Jays Claw]

A future HOFer for sure. Great career.

[giants73756]

Great player. I'll miss him. I'm glad he was able to get a ring.

[raidersrock99]

Good player thanks for that error though

[flea]

HOF, great two-way player.

[Leandres_sf]

It's a shame he's going out after making an error that cost the Reds a chance to advance.

Anyway, very good player, very good career. I wish him the best of luck.

I really don't think Rolen's error cost the Reds the series...that was a group effort.

[ahoda]

Man I'm going to miss seeing him play. He always seemed to hustle and never give up.

[bagwell368]

Belongs in Cooperstown

We've both been on that side of the argument - 66.6 rWAR. The only thing that troubles me about Rolen is games lost to injury in his prime. Compared to the reigning games played per year stud at 3B - Beltre, it's a problem. If you put in replacement values to get to 162 games for both, Rolen takes a hit on his fielding and hitting rates. Or if Beltre played less maybe his rates would notch up. BTW, Beltre already has 2015 games compared to 2038 for Rolen.

I left out SR's rookie year and last two years, and AB's rookie year in the comparisons).

SR -- AB (games played in hierarchical order) and difference between the two:

160 - 159 +1
156 - 158 -2
155 - 156 -1
154 - 156 -2
151 - 156 -5
142 - 156 -14
142 - 154 -12
133 - 152 -19
128 - 149 -21
128 - 143 -15
115 - 138 -23
112 - 126 -14
112 - 111 +1
056 - NA

They are bound to be compared to each other for years to come. Too bad 3B get so little support, they both should get in, and perhaps neither will.

Beltre is at 61.1 rWAR, 4 years younger than Rolen, and a lot healthier in general. Two more years of the 4.5-6.5 type War seasons he's been having, and he'll have Rolen.

[HowFit]

Wish him best of luck!

[jlohm1]

I really don't think Rolen's error cost the Reds the series...that was a group effort.

I in no way blame Rolen. the entire offense had multiple opportunistic to score run and they failed every time.

Rolen was a great player, and he belongs in Coopertown