In the Sun-Times today, Chris DeLuca says that Lou Piniella's likely Jim Hendry's #1 choice, and further:
After Hendry interviewed Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenly on Thursday, sources said the GM got the unofficial green light from the San Diego Padres to interview their manager, Bruce Bochy. But according to several sources, Hendry's superiors quickly shot down the idea of pursuing Bochy -- a well-respected manager who has little sex appeal in Chicago.
I don't understand this at all. "Sex appeal"? If anyone's got that, it's Joe Girardi. Lou Piniella has ZERO connection to Chicago.
This is all wrongheaded. Piniella is the wrong guy, wrong time, wrong reasons. I hope John McDonough overrules this idiotic choice. Phil Rogers actually wrote something sensible about all this; he says money could be the factor keeping Piniella away:
Whispers around the Cubs organization suggest Hendry will not be able to offer "Baker money" this time around. Piniella commanded about $13 million over four years when he left Seattle to manage his hometown Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2003.
You wonder if his excitement about managing the Cubs would wane if he were offered less than he made with the Rays. You also wonder whether he could divorce himself from the possibility of replacing [Joe] Torre after next season.
The DeLuca article may not be the last word, as this intrigue continues, for Bruce Bochy.
Bruce Miles writes:
Even if the Cubs haven?t sought permission to interview Bochy, they may. The Padres already may have told Bochy?s agent that they wouldn?t stand in the way of Bochy talking to other clubs.
Hendry is a big fan of Bochy, whose name surfaced in July when speculation was rife that Dusty Baker would be fired as Cubs manager. The Cubs and Baker parted ways the day after the season ended.
Meanwhile, the playoffs continue.
Athletics at Tigers, 3:30 pm CT. (Tigers lead series 3-0) TV: Fox
Mets at Cardinals, 7 pm CT. (Series tied 1-1) TV: Fox
Discuss amongst yourselves.
