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09:09 AM ET 08.25 | Lance Berkman took a step toward September on Friday night, appearing in the first of five minor-league games over a seven-day period before returning for what he says will probably be the final weeks of his career. Speaking hours before playing five innings at first base for the Memphis Redbirds, the six-time All-Star first baseman acknowledged that he is leaning toward retirement after concluding his second season with the Cardinals. "I don't want to rule anything out. But if you asked me right now I'm leaning toward not playing next year," Berkman said. "I don't want to say for certain because I don't want to do like Brett Favre and say, 'I retired; I'm not retired; I'm retired; I'm not retired.' I don't want to make that call right now, but if you put a gun to my head and demand an answer today I would tell you I'm probably not going to play next year."

Lance Berkman, Icon SMI

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August 25, 2012 09:19 AM ET

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Great career, class guy, and a great addition to the 'Birds last year.

ElevenRingsSTL

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August 25, 2012 09:51 AM ET

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All the best to him.

Mongo Alex

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August 25, 2012 10:12 AM ET

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Glad he has the foresight to realize that time is up. Wish him the best--there is plenty of good fishing if you aren't working any more!

Traded to Seattle

Salem , OR

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August 25, 2012 11:49 AM ET

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when is time to stop playing then is time, there could be alot of reasons why this player would stop, injuries age slumps family, but he should feel blessed after all he did have a good caeer and all that nobody can take it away from him,,, good luck berkman,,,,

alacran

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August 25, 2012 12:12 PM ET

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You are one of the few who realize when father time is calling. I am also glad for another reason, it will make it easier on the Cards next year, because probably you was not in their plans for next year any way. DH position in your home town will be open next year.

toad

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August 25, 2012 12:40 PM ET

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Give him alot of Credit... Folks were saying he was done after 2010...

And he had a great year last year...

TheBone

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August 25, 2012 01:09 PM ET

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This is how it's done ... Clemens, please take note ...

jctoo, cult elitist

Coolsville, TX

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August 25, 2012 01:37 PM ET

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....say ain't so.....ZZzzsst! NEXT!

Wisconsin Death Trip

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August 25, 2012 03:33 PM ET

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Never to be forgotten by Cardinal fans for that tenth-inning hit in Game Six.

knuckleballer

Lewiston , ID

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August 25, 2012 09:25 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:19 AM ET 08.25 by ElevenRingsSTL

Great career, class guy, and a great addition to the 'Birds last year.

He needs to rejoin the Astros, like Clemens.

.ChiSoxFan.

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August 26, 2012 11:10 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 03:33 PM ET 08.25 by knuckleballer

Never to be forgotten by Cardinal fans for that tenth-inning hit in Game Six.

Truth

ElevenRingsSTL

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August 26, 2012 11:11 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 12:12 PM ET 08.25 by toad

You are one of the few who realize when father time is calling. I am also glad for another reason, it will make it easier on the Cards next year, because probably you was not in their plans for next year any way. DH position in your home town will be open next year.

Agreed. With Beltran signed, Craig there to play first and Jay coming into his own, it would be tough for me to think the Cards could very easily bring him back anyway.