Pudge uncertain about future with Tigers after 2008

Koloff…Mickailoff…Rodriguezoff.

Ivan Rodriguez could be entering his final season with the Tigers, but he made clear Friday that he’s not entering his final year of professional baseball.

...“Everybody needs to know and realize that I was one of those players, (one of) the lucky players, who came up when I was 19 years old,” he said. “Everybody thinks, because this is my 18th season, I’m old. I’m only 36, OK?

“I still can play a lot of ball, because of the way I take care of myself and the way that I work. I know I can play a lot of baseball.”

Rodriguez has said previously that he would like to finish his career in Detroit. He reiterated his desire to remain a Tiger on Friday.

“I would love to stay, but, as of right now, I’m going to be here for one year,” he said. “I’m going to play my best and try to (get to) the playoffs. That’s my main thing.”