Torre back with Yankees, again, Pinello headed to the Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) -- Lou Piniella is coming to Wrigley Field, agreeing Monday to a three-year contract to manage the Chicago Cubs and accepting a job that has long been one of the most challenging in baseball.

His assignment: Get to the playoffs and win a championship with a franchise that hasn't been to a World Series since 1945 and hasn't won one since 1908.

According to: By Rick Gano, AP Sports Writer | October 16, 2006

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Opinion by SoxSpot:

Too bad he's not going to the Yankees this next year. He'd be a wake-up call for the over-paid there as well as he'd create some life again in Red Sox vs. Yankees games. He's a fighter and the Yankees could use someone like him. I've said before that I don't think he'd work out well in NY, and I still believe that he wouldn't fit in with the over-paid players they have, but I do believe that Pinella would get the team in gear and create some life where it is currently lacking...

At the same time, he could do all of the above for the Chicago Cubs, and I'd look forward to seeing them become a threat in the years to come. In fact, I'd love to see the Cubs break their own curse - the "Curse of the Goat" they call it.

Cubs fans deserve a WS victory, or at least a chance or a good run at it.

Joe Torre fired?

I bet Joe Torre is finally gone whether its Steinb's choice or not. Torre himself could just throw in the towel. He just looks so tired lately, and he especially seemed to have had enough during/after last year (though he couldn't turn down the money at the time).

I can't say that I'd be disappointed if he doesn't return. I respected him, and thus I prefer the Red Sox to compete against a lesser foe... especially considering the competition ON the field being strong enough without having to worry about the brain/brawn in the clubhouse outmatching us too. (I'm not saying Torre/Cashman outmatch Tito/Theo - just saying its stiff competition there combined with the uniform-wearing $$$ players.)

But I agree with whichever NY paper said it first... Pinella will get the chance he's been waiting for and, unfortunately, it'll probably end up being good for all those spoiled, rich, white-glove wearing, shaved-faced millionaires on the team to have a manager that'll kick their asses if they slouch or pout. (Yes, Lou too impresses me in that manner.) I'm not sure it'll work, it could backfire horribly, they could all hate the guy like though young Devil Rays did, but I can sure see The Bossy One wanting to give that a try.)

I have to admit, despite their own injury issues, I am surprised that the Ys couldn't get to the World Series this year. Second to the Sox (using July as the high-water mark) I wouldn't have bet that the All-Star cash-laden Yanks wouldn't get past the Tigers or the A's - assuming the Sox weren't in the way.