Veteran infielder Blake decides to retire

Casey Blake, who played 13 years in the Major Leagues, has told the Des Moines Register he plans to officially retire.

"My wife [Abbie] has been telling people I'm retired, but I've kind of been giving her a look," Blake told the newspaper. "But I think I knew in my heart that I am (retiring), but I just haven't announced it."

Blake, a seventh-round Draft pick in 1996, played for the Blue Jays, Twins, Orioles, Indians and Dodgers during his career. He started Spring Training this season with the Rockies before being released March 27.

Blake spent most of his career in Cleveland, hitting .266 over six seasons, before he was traded to the Dodgers in 2008.

Primarily a third baseman, Blake was a .264 career hitter with 167 home runs.

"My career has to end at some point," Blake told the paper. "If I was going to play, it would probably only be one more year anyway.

"I just decided to shut it down. And I'm OK with the decision."