The Barry Larkin saga is over:

Shortstop Barry Larkin told MLB.com on Tuesday night that he is leaning toward retirement.

Larkin, 40, also said he could not see himself playing for another team other than the Reds, the team he played with for 19 years.

I hate to say it, but I'm glad. It's a shame he wasn't more enthusiastic about returning as a backup, because I would have much preferred Barry to Rich Aurilia. But what can you do? As Donald Rumsfeld might say, "You play on Opening Day with the players you have, not the players you want."

It's definitely a big plus to see Larkin retire as a Red and I think it's good karma. Hopefully being a one team player will help him with his Hall of Fame bid.

Here's what Barry's plans look like:

Meanwhile, Larkin is building several instructional facilities called "Champions." They will be located in Orlando, Cincinnati, Louisville, Ky., Lexington, Ky., and New Albany, Ind.

"It will give instruction to kids in different sports -- baseball, softball, volley ball, football, basketball. We are doing some things for cheerleading," Larkin said. "Basically, we are trying to teach the kids basic fundamentals."