Rolen expected to retire

[hebroncougar]

I think Scott Rolen is the biggest reason for the turnaround of the Reds in the last few years. Great role model, and I hope he sticks in some capacity in the organization.

[George Anderson]

Originally Posted by MikeS21

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2...news|text|Reds

Wonder if Rolen might decide to come back as a bench player? Perhaps he could serve as a bench 3B/1B/PH role.

No way.

This isn't like the old days where former greats would do that because they need the money.

[MikeThierry]

I will always have fond memories of him. It's a damn shame he was often injured because I think he was on track to be a 1st ballot HOFer.

[gilpdawg]

Originally Posted by George Anderson

No way.

This isn't like the old days where former greats would do that because they need the money.

What about doing it because he still wants to play? We don't really know what he wants to do yet. Guys have done that without needing the money. Heck, Griffey was part time in Seattle when he went back.

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[George Anderson]

Originally Posted by gilpdawg

What about doing it because he still wants to play? We don't really know what he wants to do yet. Guys have done that without needing the money. Heck, Griffey was part time in Seattle when he went back.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk HD

Oh it is possible, but I know he has young kids and if I had to guess he will want to make up for alot of lost time.

Griffey is the exception, you just don't see guys that are set for life especially a great player like Rolen wanting to go out as a bench player.

Great players like Rolen value their legacy.

[PuffyPig]

Originally Posted by hebroncougar

I think Scott Rolen is the biggest reason for the turnaround of the Reds in the last few years.

I don't know, I think guys like Votto, Bruce, Latos, Cueto, Chapman have made huge contributions to the team.

I do think that Rolen has helped bring a level of maturity to the team that was missing, and I'm guessing that's more what you were referring to.

[traderumor]

Originally Posted by PuffyPig

I don't know, I think guys like Votto, Bruce, Latos, Cueto, Chapman have made huge contributions to the team.

I do think that Rolen has helped bring a level of maturity to the team that was missing, and I'm guessing that's more what you were referring to.

I don't think you can underestimate the value of a professional, strong work ethic player like Rolen around young, very talented players. Rolen was just like them in his day, he certainly has a ton of wisdom to share and seems to be able to do so respectfully and helpfully.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by traderumor

I don't think you can underestimate the value of a professional, strong work ethic player like Rolen around young, very talented players. Rolen was just like them in his day, he certainly has a ton of wisdom to share and seems to be able to do so respectfully and helpfully.

Agreed, and Rolen's influence has been a big plus, but other than Mesoraco, this team isn't really all that young anymore. As of opening day 2013, Hanigan is 32, Votto is 29, Phillips is 31, Cozart is 27, Frazier is 27, Ludwick is 34, Heisey is 28, Stubbs is 28 and Bruce is 26. I'd be fine with Rolen in a 2 or 3 starts per week role in 2013, but they need a bat more than they need a leader IMO - preferably a LH bat who mashes RHP.

[Caveat Emperor]

Originally Posted by George Anderson

No way.

This isn't like the old days where former greats would do that because they need the money.

If he had any desire to manage in the future, I could see him sticking around as a bench player and focusing on learning a little more on that end -- but from everything I've heard, when he hangs it up he's going to hang it up for good.

[camisadelgolf]

Unfortunately, it's impossible to quantify a lot of the traits that made Rolen so valuable through his career. I hope the Hall of Fame voters don't lose sight of that.

[RedsManRick]

In the FWIW department, Fangraphs has Rolen 11th all-time among 3B:

ARod: 114.6
Schmidt: 110.6
Matthews: 107.2
Boggs: 94.7
Robinson: 94.6
Brett: 91.5
Jones: 90.3
Santo: 79.4
Killebrew: 78.5 (I wasn't aware Killebrew played that much 3B -- over 700 games)
Molitor: 75.2
Rolen: 75.0
Nettles: 71.8

Of course, a big part of that comes from Rolen's defense. Of the guys above him, only Schmidt and Boggs were his peers defensively (Brooks Robinson had no peers...), but he's got multiple seasons worth of PA less than most of those guys due to injury issues.

Third base has generally been a tough position when it comes to HOF voting and Rolen is right there on the border. But in this era where a bunch of guys with steroid questions are going to be backing up the ballot, I think Rolen gets in to spite them.

[MikeS21]

I also wonder though if Rolen feels a little unfulfilled, the way the season ended. And I'm also wondering if he feels a little miffed that his career ends by him striking out when he had a couple men on base.

Knowing this team, and knowing the future of this team, Rolen may decide the give it one more season. Even if all he does is basically take Cairo's place, Rolen could have a decent enough year to feel he is leaving on a high note.

As long as he knows his everyday status is over, I'd love to have him back as a reserve player.

[dfs]

ARod: 114.6
Schmidt: 110.6
Matthews: 107.2
Boggs: 94.7
Robinson: 94.6
Brett: 91.5
Jones: 90.3
Santo: 79.4
Killebrew: 78.5
Molitor: 75.2
Rolen: 75.0
Nettles: 71.8

A bunch of guys who are (or will be) in the hall of fame and Craig Nettles?

Molitar and Killer got in based on a body of work that included time at DH and first base.

Nettles didn't get over 10%.

I can still see the vote going either way for Rolens.

[traderumor]

Originally Posted by mth123

Agreed, and Rolen's influence has been a big plus, but other than Mesoraco, this team isn't really all that young anymore. As of opening day 2013, Hanigan is 32, Votto is 29, Phillips is 31, Cozart is 27, Frazier is 27, Ludwick is 34, Heisey is 28, Stubbs is 28 and Bruce is 26. I'd be fine with Rolen in a 2 or 3 starts per week role in 2013, but they need a bat more than they need a leader IMO - preferably a LH bat who mashes RHP.

I was referring to his value since his acquisition. I am in the camp hoping he retires. He has served the Reds well and would leave them better than he found them.

[Wonderful Monds]

Originally Posted by RedsManRick

In the FWIW department, Fangraphs has Rolen 11th all-time among 3B:

ARod: 114.6
Schmidt: 110.6
Matthews: 107.2
Boggs: 94.7
Robinson: 94.6
Brett: 91.5
Jones: 90.3
Santo: 79.4
Killebrew: 78.5 (I wasn't aware Killebrew played that much 3B -- over 700 games)
Molitor: 75.2
Rolen: 75.0
Nettles: 71.8

Of course, a big part of that comes from Rolen's defense. Of the guys above him, only Schmidt and Boggs were his peers defensively (Brooks Robinson had no peers...), but he's got multiple seasons worth of PA less than most of those guys due to injury issues.

Third base has generally been a tough position when it comes to HOF voting and Rolen is right there on the border. But in this era where a bunch of guys with steroid questions are going to be backing up the ballot, I think Rolen gets in to spite them.

Curious - A-Rod's total there is not just his time as a 3B right? I'm guessing a lot of it has to do with the first half of his career as a SS.