Bengie Molina thinks about retirement

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SAN FRANCISCO -- This World Series run might be it for Bengie Molina.

The 36-year-old Texas Rangers catcher said Tuesday he is leaning toward retiring after this year, his 13th major league season.

"It's a possibility. It's more a yes than a no right now," Molina said before the Rangers took the field for a workout at AT&T Park. "I'm not saying for sure because something can happen in the winter and it can get worked out. But as for now, yes."

Molina, whose brothers Jose and Yadier are also big league catchers, had hoped for a multiyear contract last winter and didn't get it. Instead, after serious negotiations with the New York Mets, he re-signed for $4.5 million and a fourth season with the San Francisco Giants. They wound up trading him to Texas on July 1 to make room at catcher for talented rookie Buster Posey.

Molina also went to the playoffs three times with the Angels and won a World Series in 2002. He will get another ring regardless how the Rangers fare, because of his contributions to both clubs.

Molina said he was looking forward to spending time with all his "brothers" on both sides during this Series. He has no hard feelings toward the Giants and is proud of Posey, a leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Colby Lewis, the Rangers' Game 3 starter Saturday back in Arlington, hadn't heard Molina was considering calling it a career.

"He's all business now. I wouldn't expect him to [retire], but who knows," Lewis said. "Bengie's been awesome. I know he's been here three years. I hope a lot of fans embrace him for what he did here. He's done a lot for us. It's going to be a good time for him."

Molina, a native of Puerto Rico, was originally signed by the Angels as an amateur free agent in 1993. He is a career .274 hitter with 144 home runs and 711 RBIs in eight seasons with the Angels, one with Toronto, 3½ years with the Giants and his brief stint with the Rangers.

Molina has been a positive influence on many young pitchers, including two-time reigning NL Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum of the Giants. Lincecum pitches Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

Molina reached out to the San Francisco ace with an encouraging text message in August when the right-hander endured a career-worst five-start losing streak.

"He's been half of the reason I got here outside of my dad and my family and my other teammates," Lincecum said. "We had a pretty good connection there and we still keep in touch away from ball. He's meant a lot to me, and he's meant a lot to this team. He's part of the reason why we're here and obviously part of the reason why they're here, too."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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