This is a good example of how you can spin with statistics. What is most relevant to the question of his contribution to the team's making the playoffs at this point is not that he has hit .240 all year, but that he has hit .301 in the last 30 games. If he can keep that up and get his power up just a bit, he could be the difference maker.

31 is hardly washed up. He COULD have many productive years left. Would be great if they could work out a contract that has lots of incentives to encourage him to stay. But then again, if he doesn't perform, thats still a lot of money and a roster position that he ties up. 

To tell you the truth, what I like about him as much as anything, is who he is. Of course, I don't know know him, but he seems like a real stand up guy.

Bottom line is that it is a business and a player only has a certain period of productivity. So, while both sides need to look out for their business interests, Cargo will and should have more of a sense of urgency.