Piniella Could Remain Cubs' Skipper Past 2010

According to a report from the Sun-Times, Lou Piniella has not shut the door on returning to the Cubs following the 2010 season. The Cubs exercised the fourth year option on Piniella's contract prior to the end of the 2008 campaign ... and many questioned if he would return for 2010 after a more than disappointing season a year ago.

Piniella dealt with one drama after the other and each one appeared to take a toll on him. Many felt he lost his desire to manage due to the lack of fire he's shown during his baseball career.

Lou Piniella spoke to the media during RedsFest on Friday night and left the possibility for a return open. Piniella said, "Let's just wait and see."

From the Sun-Times:

''Look, I wouldn't manage this year if I didn't have the competitiveness and the desire to win. I look forward to this team bouncing back from last year and playing really, really well and giving ourselves a chance in postseason again."

''I don't know [what it would take to want to return]. I like to talk about our baseball team, our organization. I don't like to talk about myself. We'll see what happens. I enjoy what I do, and as long as the organization is pleased -- but let's see. I'm 66 years old. I'm no spring chicken.''

The Cubs have not spoken with Piniella about a return following next season ... but have not discussed with Piniella about 2010 being his last season either.

''We'll see, but I'm really looking forward to this season, working with our new owner and his family and getting this team back on top again."

''I met [Ricketts] in Phoenix [at the Cubs' organization meetings] about a month ago, and I came away very impressed. This is what the Cubs needed, a guy who's been a Cub fan his whole life and who is competitive and has built a successful business, and now he wants to win with the Cubs. I'm looking forward to that transition.''

Tom Ricketts described Lou Piniella as "one of the best managers in the game" shortly after the family took over the organization. The Ricketts family is expected to "evaluate his front office and staff after next season."

Stay Tuned ...

SuzyS

Hey Neil...nice job keeping us updated.

Just read the last 3 days postings.

So far...no real surprises if you think about it...but JH IS building an arsenal

of MIDDLING relievers...and we have a lot of lefty possibilities for the pen.

Sorry to see Jake go...and overwhelmingly happy to see Miles go...

While the trades accomplished are underwhelming...

I still suspect there's a surprise move coming...other than the reported HoHum

moves...we have too many relievers and back up infielders.

Lou possibly adding another year or 2 is a non-story...I expected that one month's ago...but it won't change the outcome....new GM/manager at the end of 2010.

Like everyone else...I just waiting to see what happens next...it would be nice

if we could throw a "WOW, GREAT MOVE!!!"

in there...but I don't expect it.

My feelings on this team are akin to Aaron and Bryan's...but not quite so down.

Go Blackhawks????

Denio

Piniella Could Remain Cubs' Skipper Past 2010..... I hope not... and take J.H. with you Lou...

MEHATEHENDRY

so, this offseason looks like a mess. Rick Ankiel? Mike Cameron? Luis Castillo? This all makes me want to throw up.

How are we gonna be the Cards without some better Pitching in the rotation and some hitters that can hit Wainwright and Carpenter?

Then you have to look at competing with the Phillies, Dodgers in the playoffs if we can get through our division.

i worry 2010 is gonna be a long year and my only hope is some younger players come out of no where to help the roster in july/august.

lets hope the winter meetings net us something bold.

Ronald

I agree our rotation is very shaky especially with Lily injured that is why I thought Hendry should offer Rich Harden arbitration but maybe he will sign Mark Prior to fill the void lol.

MEHATEHENDRY

i love lou, but i hope ryno gets to manage as a cub. i just think it would be cool for ryno to stick with the organization. i wonder how he would do with people like soriano though, they dont seem like ryno type players.