How much longer can Moyer pitch?

Most pitchers are well into their retirement years at age 45. But Phillies lefty Jamie Moyer is signing two-year contracts.

Two years and $15 million, to boot. Not too shabby -- and quite risky on the Philadelphia side.

With that kind of a contract, the Phillies are banking on Moyer being productive at 47. But history shows that a lot of pitchers hit a wall at 46: Nolan Ryan, Charlie Hough, Tommy John and Roger Clemens are the most notable who were finished at that age (assuming Clemens isn't mulling a comeback).

Ahead on the list would be Phil Niekro (48), Hoyt Wilhelm (49), Jack Quinn (50), Nick Altrock (56) and Satchel Paige (59). But it's hard to count Altrock (who pitched in just two games after his 41st birthday). And Paige's age was always ambiguous.

So Moyer (a stellar 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA last season - see his career stats) is getting in some pretty elite company. He was born the same year as Bo Jackson, who hasn't been a professional athlete for 14 years. Former Phillies great Lenny Dykstra is a year younger. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is two years younger than Moyer.

“I felt no reason why I couldn’t pitch next year,” Moyer said, according to the New York Times. “And having that security of the second year, it pushes me and it drives me. And we’ll see where it goes. I’m excited for this up-and-coming season. That’s where I’m going to put my attention to, and we’ll deal with the following year when it comes.”