Aging star returns to the game

Rickey Henderson has returned to baseball at the age of 45. He signed with the independent Atlantic League's Newark Bears where he played last season before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He obviously wants to 1) keep playing baseball for a "living" and 2) get back to the Major Leagues.

Henderson still has some skills, as he hit .339 with eight homers, 33 RBIs and nine steals with Newark last season, and hit .208 with two homers, five RBIs and three steals for the Dodgers. That's 12 steals for a then 44-year-old!

What MLB of team would sign Rickey Henderson? Obviously it would be a team willing to take a chance and willing to use up a roster spot that could belong to a much younger, more talented hitter in favor of an older player with less skills but something to contribute nonetheless. Also, it would have to be a team that needs an outfielder/DH.

Five teams come to mind when thinking about Rickey Henderson. Here's the teams and why they might be an option.

Detroit Tigers: They took a chance on becoming the next Florida Marlins by signing veterans Ivan Rodriguez, Rondell White, Fernando Vina and Carlos Guillen. Henderson would fit that mold -- veteran, "proven winner" that may not have the skills of a younger player but can still contribute. Henderson would also spark some fan interests in a franchise that's been stagnant for the last few seasons. With Dimitri Young out, the Tigers could use Rickey in the DH slot.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals have a young team, but signed Juan Gonzalez in the off-season showing they're not afraid to go after aging stars (although "aging star" is an understatement for Henderson). Tony Pena is obviously a guy who loves enthusiasm and would probably love to have a controversial guy like Henderson on his club to fire up his troops.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers have plenty of young outfield/DH talent, but a guy like Henderson could give the club a sense of a "winning attitude." Buck Showalter can appreciate a player like Henderson, even if his skills have declined. He also could be a teacher for Texas's very talented young hitters.

St. Louis Cardinals: Of course there's the Tony LaRussa connection, but the Cardinals also could use another outfielder. Ray Lankford has done a very nice job upon his return, but LaRussa loves to platoon and a Henderson/Lankford one would work out nicely. Dennis Eckersley came back to LaRussa to end his Hall-of-Fame career, why not Rickey? Plus, St. Louis is a town that could appreciate a final hoorah of one of the all-time greats.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are obviously a franchise in trouble. They would likely be willing to try anything to spark the team and fan interest by the time mid-summer roles around. A chance to see a Hall-of-Famer could give the folks in Pittsburgh something to do until the Steelers open up.

Henderson will wind up somewhere in 2004 because he has the desire to play, he still can contribute and he has a lot to offer to young hitters. Plus it's not often fans get to see a quality player who can still swipe bases at the age of 45.

Henderson's an amazing drawing card for a franchise, almost like the Satchel Paige of our generation. Granted he's not the same player he once was, but let's hope he signs on somewhere because there's certainly a lot of interesting aspects to his story.