Updated 5:29pm CT
Updated 11:15pm C.T. with News on Coaching Staff and Terms of Contract
According to several reports out of Chicago, XM Radio, ESPN and other media outlets on Monday afternoon, the Cubs have come to terms with Lou Piniella and will formally introduce him as the 48th manager in Cubs' history in a press conference on Tuesday. There are varying reports on the length and amount of the contract. Cubs.com is reporting 3 years with a 4th year option and did not mention a per year figure. One Associated Press report is stating a 3-year, $10 million dollar deal, another is reporting a 3-year deal worth $3 million dollars a year....XM Radio is reporting the same.
Now to the coaches, a report on ESPN 1000 in Chicago has stated that Larry Rothschild will return as the Cubs pitching coach. Mike Quade is expected to be named to the coaching staff as well as Von Joshua.
Piniella has a career record of 1519-1420 (.517%) and was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1995 and 2001....and a World Series Championship with the Reds in 1990. According to a report by Chris De Luca, Piniella knew on Friday he would be named the manager of the Cubs.
Larry Rothschild's apparent return is very concerning. Under his leadership the Cubs once envied farm system of arms has turned out to be injury-prone and ineffective. The Cubs have made a clean sweep. with the exception of Jim Hendry, why go back and expect different results?
Update - 11:16pm C.T.
According to a late report from the Chicago Tribune by Paul Sullivan, the length of Piniella's contract will be 3 years, with an option for a 4th, worth $10 million dollars. The article also includes a very interesting quote from Scott Eyre:
"Asked if an "in-your-face" manager was a necessity, Eyre replied: "I think some guys [need one]. I know at time I got lax and I didn't do what I was supposed to do. But I'm also 34 years old and should be able to police myself. But if he's able to do that, it'll be good for some guys."Piniella will "bring in his own" coaching staff. John McClaren is expected to rejoin Piniella and both Larry Rothschild and Chris Speier are "expected to remain on board".
Will update if more information becomes available....
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