Mike Lowell confirmed on Saturday that he will retire at the end of the current season. ?I?m retiring,? he said. ?I just don?t want to make it a song and dance because I don?t think that?s necessary, but if someone needs something official, yeah, I?m going to retire. This is going to be my last year.? Lowell believes he could continue to play, albeit with a reduced role. ?I do think I can platoon somewhere, but I don?t really enjoy it,? he said. ?I can do it, but not after playing every day for 11 years and three years in the minor leagues and my whole life. I?m not willing to make that transition, not when the tradeoff is all that time with my family. It?s not worth it.? Lowell plans to leave the game with his head held high. ?I?m not chasing any numbers,? he said. ?I?m fine. This is actually a blessing. If I had 2,700 hits, I?d still play to get to 3,000 and then I think you?re playing for the numbers and not because you really enjoy it.?