My Grandfather used to tell me and my siblings, "Never get old kids."
Well, after watching Lou Piniella manager the Cubs, my Grandfather's words ring true.
I know Lou Piniella was once a great manager. But quite frankly, he is just too old now to deal with all that comes with the job.
When he first came to the Cubs, it was a breath of fresh air after suffering through Dusty Baker.
A manager who could actually manage was too good to be true.
However, getting swept from the playoffs two consecutive years cannot be overlooked.
His managing of late has now also raised eyebrows.
My biggest complaint which I cannot for the life of me comprehend is Lou's continued insistence to bat Soriano leadoff.
Soriano is a horrible leadoff hitter and has been while with the Cubs.
He may have been OK there when he could get on and steal a base, but those day are long gone.
Soriano is a high strikeout, power hitter, whose ideal spot in the lineup is probably cleanup.
A leadoff hitter should be a low strikeout, high on base singles hitter with speed.
Someone who can take a walk, bunt his way on or beat out an infield chopper - a table setter.
Soriano is none of that, and it is killing the Cubs.
I am tried of the excuses too.
"What can I do?" "Who else can I put there?"
The answer is "someone else, anyone else would be better" - Theriot for example.
"Oh but Soriano is comfortable there."
Who cares - he is also horrible there and should not be there.
"Oh but it is only once to start the game."
Then it really doesn't make any sense to keep him there.
Why not move him to cleanup?
"Oh but we won 98 games with him there."
Maybe, but you could have won 108 with him elsewhere.
You do not see Ozzie batting Jim Thome leadoff.
The only logical explanation I can think of for Lou to keep him there is that there must be a clause in his contract that he must bat leadoff.
If that is the case, then Hendry should go.
If not, Lou should go.
A new manager that will stick Soriano fourth and leave him there no matter what is needed badly.
After inexplicably picking up Lou's option year for 2010, I know the Cubs will not fire Lou mid-season.
But I will continue to call for Lou to do the right thing and step aside and retire so that this season can be salvaged.
Please join me in my call for Lou to immediately retire, before its too late.