Piniella might be Cubs top choice

[Laura]

Sweet Lou won't come cheaply.

 

And won't Jim probably sign whatever manager he gets to a 2 year deal only? Aren't GM's usually unlikely to sign a manager for longer than their own contract?

 

I believe the Cubs said or indicated early on that they wouldn't have a problem signing a manager for a longer term than Hendry's current contract.

 

I'm not sure Piniella would want a contract longer than 2-3 years.

[Mizzou]

If the New York Yankees are in the mood to trade Rodriguez this winter, Piniella’s presence could help the Cubs land the superstar.

I wonder what Aramis thinks of Sweet Lou?

 

I doubt he cares. Aramis isn't some Manny-like lazy oaf.

Huh?

 

I was referring to his comments about waiting to see who the new Cubs manager is before deciding that he wants to come back next year.

[Southpaw191679666239]

I'm going to curb my anger until (a) it's made official and (b) I will wait until the off-season transactions. If I'm not impressed... I may be finding other ways to spend those 5-6 months in 2007. :evil: :cry:

 

Who are you kidding, you'll be back.

 

I've been preparing to do without this team if they retained Baker. Piniella doesn't really do anything for me... so I'm taking a "wait and see" approach.

[USSoccer]

If the New York Yankees are in the mood to trade Rodriguez this winter, Piniella’s presence could help the Cubs land the superstar.

I wonder what Aramis thinks of Sweet Lou?

 

I doubt he cares. Aramis isn't some Manny-like lazy oaf.

Huh?

 

I was referring to his comments about waiting to see who the new Cubs manager is before deciding that he wants to come back next year.

 

Did he actually say that, or was that a third party, "a friend" said that?

 

And I apologize, but usually when people ask what Aramis would think of Piniella, it's usually a reference to ARam's (undeserved) lazy rep.

[Mizzou]

If the New York Yankees are in the mood to trade Rodriguez this winter, Piniella’s presence could help the Cubs land the superstar.

I wonder what Aramis thinks of Sweet Lou?

 

I doubt he cares. Aramis isn't some Manny-like lazy oaf.

Huh?

 

I was referring to his comments about waiting to see who the new Cubs manager is before deciding that he wants to come back next year.

 

Did he actually say that, or was that a third party, "a friend" said that?

 

And I apologize, but usually when people ask what Aramis would think of Piniella, it's usually a reference to ARam's (undeserved) lazy rep.

Well of course he didn't say that, no player in his situation would. "People close to him" relayed that he said it.

 

And I wasn't referring his lazyness at all, just wondering what he would do if Piniella was hired.

[hawkeyecub]

. I'm told he's very adaptable to the talent he has.

 

This is probably the best thing I've heard about Lou and surprises me a little bit. I still don't want him, but I would feel a little more comfortable knowing that he changes his style based on his players. That's not true for some guys and maybe not Girardi.

 

He's said some good things that I've heard on television like saying it was wise for Leyland to keep the workload down for a young pitcher or talking about a batter's splits as he gets behind in counts and the need to be patient early and the importance of guys getting on base in front of mashers.

 

Overall I still want Bochy first, then Brenly and don't really care between Girardi or Lou. But I guess I have a slightly better opinion of him now than I did a few weeks ago.

[Bruce Miles]

If the New York Yankees are in the mood to trade Rodriguez this winter, Piniella’s presence could help the Cubs land the superstar.

If signing Piniella means that ARod will come to Chicago, then I support his hiring. Otherwise, I'd rather have Girardi.

 

I wonder what Aramis thinks of Sweet Lou?

 

Bruce - can you speak a bit more to this quote?

 

A lot of us NSBB have just kind of assumed it to be true since they were together in Seattle. Is there any semi-concrete reason to believe they had a strong relationship, even one that would make Alex want to rejoin him?

 

Also, do you believe this possibility is playing into Hendry's desire for Piniella?

 

From what I've heard, Rodriguez and Piniella have remained close, with Piniella being somewhat of a confidant of A-Rod's. No, this possibility is not playing into Hendry's desire for Piniella. That's who he likes as manager. Remember, the Yankees still might not trade A-Rod, and he does have a no-trade on top of it. Nobody hires a manager based on the possibility he can get him one player.

[Bruce Miles]

Bruce - Is Bochy a possibility?

 

Yes, but only if the Padres grant permission for the Cubs to talk to him.

[Bruce Miles]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp

 

Say it ain't say so Bruce, say it ain't so.

 

'Tis so. There's still a lot that needs to happen before there's a deal, but he's clearly the Cubs' guy.

 

Bruce, any idea when the deal could get done?

 

It's possible it could get done after this first round of interviews is done. A second "round" might include only Bochy, if he's made available.

[JWCUB]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

[Deeg]

Bruce, two questions. First, do you think Bochy has appeal as a compromise candidate, if in fact the rumors of a split between Hendry and his bosses exists with Girardi and Piniella? Hendry doesn't want to displease McDonough by going against his wishes (when his own job is hanging by a thread), McDonough would rather not force Girardi down his throat. Enter Bochy, if SD would allow it.

 

Second - how much better was Joe's '06 Marlin team than the Tampa squads that Lou was losing 100 games with? I think that's a relevant question... Thanks.

[Bruce Miles]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

[goonys evil twin]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

[Bruce Miles]

Bruce, two questions. First, do you think Bochy has appeal as a compromise candidate, if in fact the rumors of a split between Hendry and his bosses exists with Girardi and Piniella? Hendry doesn't want to displease McDonough by going against his wishes (when his own job is hanging by a thread), McDonough would rather not force Girardi down his throat. Enter Bochy, if SD would allow it.

 

Second - how much better was Joe's '06 Marlin team than the Tampa squads that Lou was losing 100 games with? I think that's a relevant question... Thanks.

 

There is no rift between McDonough and Hendry. That's a creation of some people who aren't there and don't ever talk to anybody.

Girardi had more talent in Miami than Piniella did in Tampa. Piniella heard a lot of promises in Tampa that were not kept.

[Bruce Miles]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

 

They like him a lot, and believe it or not, they're well aware of the comparison of his second-half splits with those of Carlos Lee.

What they may do is see if they can get more power in center field. They do believe Murton will hit more homers than he did this season. I believe that as well. He'd be a great option at about $400,000, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Are you a Bears fan, Bruce?

 

 

 

 

 

If you say "no," you're dead to me. j/k :lol:

[Banedon]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

 

They like him a lot, and believe it or not, they're well aware of the comparison of his second-half splits with those of Carlos Lee.

What they may do is see if they can get more power in center field. They do believe Murton will hit more homers than he did this season. I believe that as well. He'd be a great option at about $400,000, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere.

 

So they aren't necessarily sold on Juan Pierre?

[Mizzou]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

 

They like him a lot, and believe it or not, they're well aware of the comparison of his second-half splits with those of Carlos Lee.

What they may do is see if they can get more power in center field. They do believe Murton will hit more homers than he did this season. I believe that as well. He'd be a great option at about $400,000, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere.

Do they see Soriano as an option in CF, as Rosenthal (I think) suggested?

[soapy]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

 

They like him a lot, and believe it or not, they're well aware of the comparison of his second-half splits with those of Carlos Lee.

What they may do is see if they can get more power in center field. They do believe Murton will hit more homers than he did this season. I believe that as well. He'd be a great option at about $400,000, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere.

I'm glad to hear that, but it makes me wonder why they would be doing investigative work on Carlos Lee. Unless, of course, they are willing to move Jones or put him in CF. I'd be shocked to see that (but glad).

[goonys evil twin]

Kind of off the topic a bit, but since you are "in the know" more than we are Bruce, are there any names you have heard the Cubs throw around that they would like to sign, or get via trade? Also, keep up the good work, as you are the best sports writer in Chicago. :wink:

 

They've done a good bit of investigative work on Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, whom they nearly got in 2000 in the Sammy Sosa traded that didn't happen. A lot of this will become more clear once a new manager is on board.

 

What are their thoughts on Murton?

 

They like him a lot, and believe it or not, they're well aware of the comparison of his second-half splits with those of Carlos Lee.

What they may do is see if they can get more power in center field. They do believe Murton will hit more homers than he did this season. I believe that as well. He'd be a great option at about $400,000, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere.

I'm glad to hear that, but it makes me wonder why they would be doint investigative work on Carlos Lee. Unless, of course, they are willing to move Jones or put him in CF. I'd be shocked to see that (but glad).

 

Good to hear Bruce.

 

As a follow-up, has there been any more rumblings about guys like Jones, who apparantly came here because of Dusty, and may be really upset about him leaving? Would they look to move him, or is he trying to get moved?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Bruce - Is Bochy a possibility?

 

Yes, but only if the Padres grant permission for the Cubs to talk to him.

 

Bah, c'mon Padres.

[Deeg]

Our fate rests in the West - the Padres letting Bochy walk, or Sabean making Lou an offer he can't refuse.

[Andy]

The Trib says:

 

Amid a whirlwind of complicated Chicago/New York connections, the Cubs could wind up with Lou Piniella as manager because of Alex Rodriguez, and Rodriguez could wind up as a White Sox partly because of Piniella. White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, according to those in the know, long has had a "thing" for Rodriguez.

 

If we get Lou, and then the Sox get ARod, my interest in baseball will severely deteriorate. :(

[Mizzou]

How would the Cubs wind up with Piniella as manager because of ARod if ARod went to the White Sox? That doesn't make any sense.

[goonys evil twin]

How would the Cubs wind up with Piniella as manager because of ARod if ARod went to the White Sox? That doesn't make any sense.

 

I think the theory is that the Cubs would be interested in Lou because of his connections to ARod, but the White Sox would be in better position to get ARod.

 

Not that I agree with the theory.