lou piniella

 made his intentions known with a statement on Tuesday via a release issued by the team.

“I couldn’t be more appreciative of the Cubs organization for providing me the opportunity to manage this ballclub,” said Piniella. “I’ve had four wonderful years here that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’ve grown to love the city and the fans but at my age (67 at the end of the season) it will be time to enter a new phase in my life. It will enable me to spend more valuable time with my family – my wife, my kids and my grandchildren. God has blessed me to have been able to work this many years in the game that I love.

Piniella said he made the announcement now because it is "what's best for this organization in the long run," adding, "It gives [Cubs GM] Jim Hendry ample time to find the next manager and he doesn’t need to do so in secrecy."

The 67-year old manager made a point to say that just because retirement is a few months away, it does not mean that the Cubs' work in 2010 is over. by sb nation

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