I missed this yesterday, but Buster Olney heard a rumor (Insider only, alas):
Lou Piniella has told others that one way or the other, 2010 will be his last season managing. Now, keep in mind that Piniella is at the end of what has been an enormously disappointing season for the Cubs; Piniella saying he doesn't want to manage past 2010 to friends is a little like an exhausted parent saying he/she doesn't want to have any more kids after putting a rowdy toddler to bed at 9 p.m. Consider the context.
Beyond the shouting match he had with Milton Bradley back in June, we haven't really seen the Lou Piniella we've come to know and love this season. With the kind of year the Cubs have had, a fully-invested Piniella would have acted more like, well, Lou Piniella.
Olney's note of context caution notwithstanding, I'm inclined to think that Piniella is done with managing, and all that is left is to determine whether the Cubs want him back for the final year of his contract or if, alternatively, they want to begin the Ryne Sandberg era in 2010 instead of 2011.
Who cares really?
Lou used to throw great tantrums as a player. He'd do everything but show the umpire pictures of his wife and kids.
Let the Sandberg era begin. You have to have a lot of respect for a Hall of Fame player that was willing to go to the low minors to learn the craft of managing. Ryno was my favorite player; I am sure he will be a fine manager.
Well Ryno will help sell some tickets just like the hiring of Sweet Lou did. Winning would be nice but fannies in the seats is priority 1.
HP3 has an excellent point. I love Lou but if he doesn't think he's 100% in it, he should let the team know and let Sandberg get the chance he's earned more than anyone.