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Tim Kurkjian reflects on Miguel Cabrera's journey to 3,000 hits (2:11)

In recognition of his 3,000th hit, Tim Kurkjian remembers the career ofMiguel Cabrera. There are two words in this sentence.

In an interview with The Detroit News on Friday, the Detroit Tiger said that he will return for a 21st major league season in three years.

The 39-year-old said to reporters that this season may be his last as he deals with knee issues. It was the first time that he opened the door to the possibility that he wouldn't play next year after he said he would fulfill his contract.

He said his plan hasn't changed.

He told the News that he wouldn't be retiring. When my contract is done, I won't. They didn't know what I was talking about. I won't quit.

As of July 8, he was hitting.308 and had joined the 3,000-hit club. He hit.131 with three extra- base hits in his last 21 games.

The increase in knee pain has been partly to blame, but he thinks next year will be different. He celebrates his 40th birthday in April.

He told the News that next year would be better. I will be right there next year.