It's a young man's game....or is it? While young studs like Longoria, Bruce, and Scherzer are just starting brilliant careers, there are still some over-40 veterans who are hanging on and making major contributions to their teams. Being 40 is no longer an automatic retirement in todays game. Not only are some contributing, some are heavily counted on by their respective teams. Here, we look at the players who are, or will be, 40 this season. How are they faring?

Mike Timlin 3-3 6.48 ERA - Still an important part of the Red Sox rotation, but his stuff is waning. He's a valued bullpen pitcher, but his days of being the primary set up man are pretty much over.

Tim Wakefield 3-4 4.70 ERA - Knuckleballers rarely have to worry about age, but it appears that Wakefield's 15 win seasons are history. He is still counted on by the Sox, but they may be better off using Masterson in his place.

Curt Schilling DL - His injury makes him a bit of a mystery. Can he come back? They won't give him a long leash when he returns.

Matt Stairs 6HR 16RBI .278 avg - Still cranking the long balls. He can thank his stars for the DH position.

Mike Mussina 8-4 4.26 ERA - Who saw his rejuvenation? He looked done the last two seasons, and this year he's found the fountain of youth. He's having a nice comeback season.

Todd Jones 1-0 4.26 ERA 8 Saves - His closer time is nearing an end. If the Tigers rebuild, he'll be a casualty.

Kenny Rogers 4-4 5.88 ERA - His career is nearing an end. He has trouble staying healthy as well.

Gary Sheffield 3HR 12 RBI .213 avg - Also an injury risk as he gets older. He can still hit, but can he remain healthy?

Frank Thomas 7HR 27RBI .258 avg - Still stroking and hitting homeruns. If he can remain healthy, he's a 25HR threat.

Jamie Moyer 5-3 4.45ERA - Soft-tossing southpaws can still be productive in the NL. Unfortunately, he pitches in a hitters park. He may still have two years left in him.

Rudy Seanez 3-3 2.75ERA - Looking solid this season, but he's also an injury risk.

Luis Gonzalez 3HR 19RBI .293 avg - No longer a homerun threat, but still an important contributor and good clubhouse guy.

Tom Glavine 2-2 4.56ERA - Like Moyer, he can still pitch, but it's improbable he can be an over .500 pitcher. He doesn't fool hitters any more.

John Smoltz 3-2 2.00ERA - Health concerns are very real. He can still get it done, but his health will prevent another big season. His arm may only have one season left in it.

Moisés Alou 0HR 7RBI .340 avg - Hurt every other month. Still has quick hands...but every thing else is fragile. Even his vital organs appear to be aging too fast.

Orlando Hernandez DL Age??? - Forget it. His career is pretty much toast. Even if he does return, how effective can he be?

Russ Springer 1-0 3.46ERA - Still somewhat effective with the Cardinals. His experience is a plus.

Doug Brocail 2-0 2.79ERA - Looking good so far. He still has a couple of seasons left.

Brian Shouse 3-0 2.37ERA
- Not sure how he's endured, but he has. Give him credit for being determined.

Kent Mercker 1-0 3.29ERA - Still pitching despite a life-threatening health scare years ago. He's pitched well to boot.

Randy Johnson 4-1 3.83ERA - Who knew? He's looking dominant again. How much longer can he go? The time off may have helped preserve his arm.

Jeff Kent 5HR 24RBI .248 avg - Starting to swing a slower bat. He's still good for 15HR, but can't expect more than that any more.

Keiichi Yabu 2-2 2.25 ERA - Looking very good in 2008.

Trevor Hoffman 0-3 4.34 ERA 11 Saves - Old age is starting to show. He needs to be replaced, but won't be replaced, out of respect for his past contributions to the team.



Court Adjourned!