Is Piniella on his way out?

**superdorf** · 08-14-2009, 09:27 AM

Cubs getting ready to can Lou Piniella? - Sports Rumors - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

Will manager Lou Piniella take the heat for Chicago Cubs' swoon? -- chicagotribune.com

To complete the meltdown? What's everyone's thoughts?

**kcclones** · 08-14-2009, 09:27 AM

i think this could be his last year

**JP4CY** · 08-14-2009, 09:29 AM

He'll retire at the end of the year. Brenly will come out of the booth.

**DaddyMac** · 08-14-2009, 09:31 AM

I would think it's his own doing.

He didn't trade DeRosa. He didn't let Wood go. He didn't sign Bradley (although he called out loud for a lefty). He didn't lock up a few hundred million into maybe 4 players who aren't doing jack. And he sure as hell didn't dislocate ARam's arm, nor take out his top pitchers.

Sure Lou does has more than a few instances that make one scratch their head. But in my amateur opinion, he also has moments of sheer brilliance. Fact is his top signees aren't swinging the bat. Not much a coach can do about that. Not like they're making continual base running errors or lack of judgement that CAN be coached (you need to be on base to do that).

The problems with the '09 Cubs sit in the front office - if you were to ask me.

**kcclones** · 08-14-2009, 09:31 AM

does anyone think Ryno will eventually get a shot? not saying this next hiring, but in the future?

**tejasclone** · 08-14-2009, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

I would think it's his own doing.

He didn't trade DeRosa. He didn't let Wood go. He didn't sign Bradley (although he called out loud for a lefty). He didn't lock up a few hundred million into maybe 4 players who aren't doing jack. And he sure as hell didn't dislocate ARam's arm, nor take out his top pitchers.

Sure Lou does has more than a few instances that make one scratch their head. But in my amateur opinion, he also has moments of sheer brilliance. Fact is his top signees aren't swinging the bat. Not much a coach can do about that. Not like their making continual base running errors or lack of judgement that CAN be coached (you need to be on base to do that).

The problems with the '09 Cubs sit in the front office - if you were to ask me.

As a Cards fan, I agree with you. Much as I like poke fun at him, Lou is a good manager and the Cubs could do much, much worse. This seems like a reactionary move. There are only 4.5 games separating the Cubs from first place and they have, what, 49 games left?

**DaddyMac** · 08-14-2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by cardinal&gold

As a Cards fan, I agree with you. Much as I like poke fun at him, Lou is a good manager and the Cubs could do much, much worse. This seems like a reactionary move. There are only 4.5 games separating the Cubs from first place and they have, what, 49 games left?

If they can get it back to only a game or two by the end of the month - I'll give them a fighting chance. And that is a tall order.

Honestly - and I said it a few weeks back - they need to be up 3 or 4 going into Sept because their last two weeks are brutal (3 at Cards, 3 at Brewers, then a long swing out to SF). The Brewers aren't quite as daunting as they seemed earlier- not like the Cubs are world-beaters however. But the Cards are a machine right now.

If they tighten it up the next 2 1/2 weeks, they're in decent shape. Obviously there are those 3 games that could be picked up with a sweep in STL (

).

My prediction - stick a fork in 'em. I see no resiliency or toughness in this squad.

**CrossCyed** · 08-14-2009, 09:47 AM

I love Lou, but, man, after every game, every interview, he just seems tired.

**Clonefan32** · 08-14-2009, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

I would think it's his own doing.

He didn't trade DeRosa. He didn't let Wood go. He didn't sign Bradley (although he called out loud for a lefty). He didn't lock up a few hundred million into maybe 4 players who aren't doing jack. And he sure as hell didn't dislocate ARam's arm, nor take out his top pitchers.

Sure Lou does has more than a few instances that make one scratch their head. But in my amateur opinion, he also has moments of sheer brilliance. Fact is his top signees aren't swinging the bat. Not much a coach can do about that. Not like their making continual base running errors or lack of judgement that CAN be coached (you need to be on base to do that).

The problems with the '09 Cubs sit in the front office - if you were to ask me.

Could not agree more, aside from the occasional quenstionable bullpen decisions I think Lou does a fine job managing. But if you think of the areas they have struggled this year (relief pitching, defense and clutch hitting) the front office got rid of Wood and DeRosa, and no one could have predicted Aramis's injury issues The rest of this month should go better, with Aramis and Lilly coming back and having relatively easy series' aside from the 4 gamer in LA. Firing Lou at this point would be pointless, as they still have a solid shot at making the playoffs.

**Ernie Godfrey** · 08-14-2009, 09:51 AM

They have a shot, but I sure wouldn't call it a solid shot. They are falling farther behind every day and the wins need to start piling up SOON. Have you watched this team play?

**acrozier22** · 08-14-2009, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

I love Lou, but, man, after every game, every interview, he just seems tired.

I would be too if had to watch that **** everyday.

**cycloneworld** · 08-14-2009, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by johnpkelly81

He'll retire at the end of the year. Brenly will come out of the booth.

I think this is what will happen. Lou just looks beat down out there. Like DaddyMac said, there isn't much that Lou can do about personel or injuries. Sure he gets some of the blame, but not the majority of it.

The disgusting part is the Cubs have a HUGE payroll and 3 of their starters (Theriot, Fontenot, and Soto) are making less than a half million per year.

**DaddyMac** · 08-14-2009, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by acrozier22

I would be too if had to watch that **** everyday.

True - and it echoes my emotions too.

Sad part is, again, there's really little for him to do. His big sticks aren't really all that big - and he's sat them, coddled them, baby'd them, called them out on occassion. What's left?

His starters have played admirably when healthy. But none of them can go the distance with the nagging issues - and then he watches he middle relievers wizz it away.

(BTW - if ANYONE needs to be sent down - it's Marmol. I'm no big Smardija (??) fan, but I just shut the tv off when Carlos comes in)

**CrossCyed** · 08-14-2009, 10:00 AM

As far as Sandberg....who knows. Pinella is one of the best in the game, but he can only do so much with the cards he's dealt - a GM who makes curious decisions and veterans who are either hurt or don't play like vets all the time.

**kcclones** · 08-14-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

As far as Sandberg....who knows. Pinella is one of the best in the game, but he can only do so much with the cards he's dealt - a GM who makes curious decisions and veterans who are either hurt or don't play like vets all the time.

Totally agree. Some of the contracts that we are stuck with are going to be very hard for the Cubs to cut dead weight. We will be handcuffed for the next few years with players that are getting old and don't like to try (ie Soriano). The worst thing is when our pitching staff is healthy we have the right people. Without the bats its going to be a waste.