Brewers RHP Torres retires

Nov 11, 2008 - 8:56 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Despite coming off one of his best seasons, Milwaukee Brewers closer Salomon Torres announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Torres, 36, went 7-5 with a 3.49 ERA and a career-high 28 saves in 71 relief appearances last year, helping the Brewers reach the postseason for the first time since 1982.

The righthander left behind a possible $3.75 million option for the 2009 season that the Brewers were almost certain to exercise based on his success last year.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved who helped make this season a memorable one for me and my family, everyone from the fans to Mark Attanasio to Doug Melvin, the Brewers staff and front office," Torres said in a statement. "Milwaukee is a wonderful city with great fans and people. I will always cherish the opportunity I had to play here.

"While I still have great passion and energy for the game of baseball, I feel that the time has come to redirect that passion and energy to my family."

Torres was a veteran of 12 season with San Francisco, Seattle, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. He posted a 44-58 record with a 4.31 ERA and 57 saves in 497 appearances, including 64 starts.