" Pending free agent Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman says he would entertain another one-year contract following this season but added that he would also be prepared to retire if not approached by one of a handful of contending teams.

"At this stage of my career it's safe to say that if I'm not thrilled with the opportunities out there for me after this season, this would be it," Berkman said before the Cardinals' series opener Friday against the Chicago Cubs.

Berkman, 35, underscored that he has achieved more than he ever envisioned as a major-league player and no longer motivated himself through statistics or money.

"If I'm playing, I want to be playing for more than just numbers," Berkman said. "I've accomplished pretty much everything I hoped to accomplish in my career. I've made a lot of money. I've had personal success and been part of some great teams. The one thing I haven't done is been part of a world championship. I'm going to be 36 (next season), I'm not going to play just to play."

Berkman a.k.a. Big Puma - has resurrected a prolific career since signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cardinals on the eve of last December's winter meetings. He entered Friday's game leading the league in slugging percentage and ranked fourth in on-base percentage. He had hit safely in 22 of 25 games played since the All-Star break.

Berkman's numbers likely will bring him at least a two-year offer from some offensively challenged team but he wouldn't be interested unless the team was among thefew contenders he has staked out. The Philadelphia Phillies and the Texas Rangers are believed to fit his criteria. Berkman hastens to state that he prefers to return to St. Louis but is unsure of the organization's stance."