According to Sponichi, the Shinya Miyamoto (41) may be considering retirement after the 2012 season.

"I am approaching this as if it were my last [year], or at least that is what I would like to do.  I have been prepared to quit since my mid-to-late thirties.  The two-year contract I signed ends after the season and I do not think I will have any regrets if I retire," said Miyamoto.

He continued, "I got them to agree to a two-year deal because I was close to 2,000 hits.  It is my way to give back to the team. ... I want to reach 2,000 as quickly as possible so the manager does feel pressured to use me.  After that, I would like to see the younger players take the starting job from me.  If the team can win in that situation, then I can start thinking about whether or not to retire."

"I want to compete for the starting job without any worries.  I want to step away knowing things will be ok with the team," said Miyamoto.

Miyamoto is just 25 hits away from reaching the 2,000 hit milestone.

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