Scott Rolen still undecided about 2013

Veteran third baseman Scott Rolen has yet to decide whether he will play or retire next season, and the Cincinnati Reds appear to be in no hurry for the slugger to make up his mind, reports Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

Rolen, who turns 38 on April 4, has been in periodic contact with Reds GM Walt Jocketty.

There is interest in bringing Rolen back if he wants to play. It would likely be in a different role since the Reds seem to be moving forward with Todd Frazier penciled in as the regular third baseman.

"We spoke before the holidays," Jocketty said. "He hasn’t decided. It could be another week to 10 days."

Sheldon posits that he would not be surprised if the final verdict takes longer than 10 days because there is no reason for Rolen to jump to a decision. The Reds have not set a deadline anyone knows of, and if there is any chance he will change his mind by February then it is probably better to wait.

The 37-year-old Rolen has spent 17 seasons in the big leagues, and will likely receive considerable Hall of Fame consideration when he does eventually retire. The 1997 NL Rookie of the Year has batted .281/.364/.490 with 316 home runs for his career while displaying stellar defense at the hot corner, earning eight Gold Gloves.