Baseball in Fort Wayne

When Corey Koskie singed with the Cubs not long ago, he became the third former Wizard trying to win the backup thrid base job. His resume might have even given him a slight edge in the competition. However, yesterday, he left Thursday’s game with was was said to be an illness.

That “illness” turned out to be light-headedness and “could be related to the post-concussion symptoms he has battled most of the last two years.”  Reports are now surfacing that Koskie is set to formally retire.

Paul Sullivan, in commenting on the Cubs’ current plans, does not mention either of the other two former wizards, Bobby Scales or Luis Rivas as possible contenters for the role:

At this point, Aaron Miles will assume the role when Mike Fontenot is playing second, and vice versa. Neither has much of a history at third base. Recent pickup Esteban German has played third but is not expected to make the final cut.

Update (3:46PM EST): Koskie Makes it Official

“This is what I love to do — I love being out there, being with the guys, the whole competition,” he said. “There’s no way you can replace it. But at some point you have to look at it realistically and say, ‘Is it really worth sacrificing the rest of your life for a game?’”

Update (9:23PM EST): Koskie’s retirement not a shock

“He’s been through a lot,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of Koskie, who played third base for the Twins from 1998-2004. “He took a shot at it. He tried to come back and it just doesn’t feel right. I think it all gets down to quality of life after you finish playing the game, which he realized.”

Related BBIFW Posts:

• Who’s On Third? Koskie is Third Former Wizard Seeking Cubs Gig
• Free Agent Koskie Thinking Return for 2008
• Cubs Invite Scales and Rivas to Spring Training
• Rivas Adjusting to Short
• Rivas Seeking Spot with Pittsburgh