Will Mike Piazza Retire?

As this baseball season comes down the final stretch, Mike Piazza has found himself on the bench more often than not, even though he's healthy. Kurt Suzuki has taken over the catcher spot, and Mike has to share DH duties with Dan Johnson.

Piazza is well aware that these last couple of weeks will be his last in an Athletics uniform. It's not that Piazza hasn't performed well this season, it's the fact that the Athletics will be going younger next season. What the 39-year old catcher/designated hitter isn't so sure of is whether or not this will be his last few weeks playing baseball for anybody.

"I just think I'm not in the mood to make a decision right now," Piazza said. "You have to detach yourself, take a step back. It's impossible to make a decision when you're in the washing machine - you've got to get out and dry off. You never make a good decision when you're emotionally charged."

Man, the media are so invasive these days. Asking a guy such a tough question while he's inside a washing machine. That's just rude.

My gut tells me Piazza will be back next season. He can still play and I'm sure there's a couple of American League teams who wouldn't mind his bat in the lineup. There were a lot of rumors that Piazza was going to be traded to the Twins earlier this summer, and since Torii Hunter won't be back, I'm sure they'll be looking for somebody to replace his offensive output. Piazza may just be that guy.