Strauss: Berkman says he’ll probably retire

“Never ask a question unless you already know the answer”...Berkman’s Law.

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.”

...Berkman noted last month that his legacy is set. He is aware, however, of the vagaries of Hall of Fame balloting and the significance of counting stats.

“Whether or not I’m a Hall of Fame-caliber player, I feel like in my decade-plus from a percentage standpoint I stack up against anybody. I may not retire with what some people think is enough home runs and RBI to merit induction, but in my mind I can hit with anybody in that building,” he said.

Berkman’s career .409 on-base percentage ranks fourth among active players and 37th all-time. His career .545 slugging percentage stands 12th among actives and 34th all-time. Combined, the two form a .953 career on-base plus slugging percentage that is fifth among active players and 19th all-time. His career OPS is higher than Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Mel Ott, Ty Cobb and Hank Aaron, among others.