Ryan Franklin Plans To Retire

It’s been a busy couple weeks on players announcing their retirements and it’s not slowing down. St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin told the media that he plans on retiring after his current contract runs out, that deal goes through the 2011 season. Franklin at the age of 37 has turned into an elite closer in the National League. So with his current contract only $6.5 million over two years, one would think he may just be posturing himself for a new, lucrative contract but that’s not the case here.

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“I think I owe it to my family,” Franklin said (per St. Louis Post-Dispatch)”I’ve missed a lot of things that have been going on. I don’t want to miss a lot more.

“If I wasn’t able to provide for my family and we weren’t going to be OK to the extent that either my wife or I would have to continue working, then I should play more. But I’m financially sound. I don’t see having to keep playing for that reason.”

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The Post-Dispatch has a good article about his decision and his reasoning. When you read about his history it all makes sense. Pretty much him and his family are simple people and despite all his millions have more then enough to last a lifetime. “My wife doesn’t go out and spend money like we’re the Trumps,” Franklin said. “She takes care of business. I admire the way she handles it. We’ve got everything we need.”

What’s more a shock to me is seeing Ryan plan on retiring while he’s on the top of his game. In 2009 he saved 38 games (6th in MLB) with a 1.92 ERA (2nd amongst NL Closers). So far in 2010, he’s saved 12 out of 13 games with an ERA of 1.86. He’s been so lights out in 2010 that prior to Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics he has only given up two runs over two months.

Impressive stats especially for a pitcher of his age. I give him plenty of credit for walking away from the game while he’s doing so good, especially with the money that will be on the table after 2011 if his success continues.

Then again, will he be able to walk away if he gets a huge offer?

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“I’ve talked to guys who have retired. And they say to play as long as they let you,” Franklin said. “But right now I just don’t see that for me. If I have a good year next year, somebody is going to have to throw some serious money at me to make me stick around for a one-year deal.”

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