A press release just arrived from the Chicago Cubs stating that Lou Pinella would begin his retiremet immediately after today's gave against the Braves.  Mike Quade will take over for the remainder of the season.

From the Cubs press release:  “When I previously announced my intentions to retire at the end of the season, a primary reason for my decision was that it would allow me to spend more valuable time with my family,” said Piniella.  “That time has unfortunately gotten here sooner than I could have ever expected.  As many know, the several weeks since that announcement was made have been very difficult on a family level, requiring two leaves of absence from the club.  While I fully intended to manage this club the rest of the season, a family situation at home now requires my full attention.

“As I said last month, I couldn’t be more appreciative of the Cubs organization for providing me the opportunity to be their manager.  I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world and I consider this the ultimate way to end my managerial career. "

Again, from another Cubs press release:  The Chicago Cubs today named Mike Quade manager of the major league club for the rest of the 2010 season, starting with tomorrow’s game at Washington.  Quade becomes the 51st manager in franchise history.  The remainder of the coaching staff will remain intact and corresponding coaching assignment announcements are forthcoming.

Quade, 53, is in his eighth season in the Cubs organization.  Prior to his time on Lou Piniella’s major league staff as third base and outfield coach starting with the 2007 campaign, Quade spent the previous four seasons as manager of Chicago’s Triple-A Iowa affiliate (2003-06).  He guided the I-Cubs to a 289-279 mark, a pair of first-place finishes and one appearance in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series (2004).

by Derf

Most of you heard the absurd remarks by this week's ZERO of the week, Brandon Phillips, who said how much he hated the St. Louis Cardinals, and called them Bitches! Not a good word to call a bunch of guys, much less a pro sports team. Then leading off the game the next day, he did his usual act of 'respect' by tapping the Catcher's Shin guards with his bad. Except the Cardinals catcher, and the rest of the team did not take it 'affectionately'! A huge fight broke out, as one might expect. Meanwhile the Cardinals swept the Reds to take over first place in the Division. Not sure what Philips was thinking, but it probably did not work out like he figured!

On a happier baseball note, this week's HERO is Buck Showalter. Buck took over as Manager of the O's a couple of weeks ago, and had lead them to an 8-2 record. Okay, they're not going to win the Division, and probably won't next year either, as it's the toughest Division in baseball. However it's good to see this once very proud, successful franchise doing a little better. With Showalter, assuming they can get some decent players, they should be a lot better in coming years. Another good thing about Showalter, he's a huge Andy Griffith Show fan!!