Mike Cameron Hints At Retirement

Mike Cameron indicated that 2011 could be his last season in the Majors, reports Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.  Cameron, who would be 39 on Opening Day 2012, has missed the Marlins' last few games due to a hamstring strain and noted that this latest injury is just one of many that are weighing on his mind.

“I may be too young to quit, but my body’s telling me different. My body’s 45,” Cameron said.  “[Retirement is] a small window that’s wide open…I’m not going to make a decision now because there are too many variables much more than how I feel.”

Capozzi noted that Cameron's comments could have been borne of frustration with his injury, but Cameron has struggled this season.  The outfielder has a combined .203/.286/.360 line in 268 plate appearances with Florida and Boston this season.  Cameron joined the Fish in July after being designated for assignment and dealt by the Red Sox.

Cameron has played for eight teams over his 17 seasons in the big leagues.  At his peak, Cameron brought a strong blend of speed (297 career steals), defense (three Gold Gloves ) and power (eight seasons with 20+ homers, plus a four-homer game on May 2, 2002) to the table.  He enjoyed a 24-homer season as recently as 2009 as a member of the Brewers.