Monday, October 16, 2006

Piniella’s the Man

The Chicago Cubs plan to introduce Lou Piniella as their new manager tomorrow. I’m surprised by their choice. I think Joe Girardi or Bob Brenly would have made better choices since they both have connections to the team and seem to relate well to younger players. The 63-year-old Piniella certainly has plenty of big-league managerial experience — he managed the Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and won a World Series title with the Reds in 1990 — but I’m not convinced that he is the right man for the job. I think he's too old to relate to the younger players, and as they say, "What have you done for me lately?" Yes, he won a World Series title -- 16 years ago!

Cub fans seem to agree. The initial Tribune poll indicates only 56 percent of respondents approve of the Cub’s hiring of Piniella, while slightly more than 21 percent say they disapprove. Another 22 percent say they're glad they don't have to hear about this story anymore.

Not sure about you, but 56 percent approval rating doesn't exactly inspire confidence about the Cubs' future.

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