Sweet Lou in Orange and Blue??

According to Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, Cubs manager Lou Piniella will retire at the end of the 2010 season.

Opinion: I'm sure this will spark a lot of speculation regarding the Mets managerial position in the near future. Jerry Manuel's contract expires at the end of the 2010 season. Lou Piniella has been linked to the Mets before, as recent as 2004, when the Mets tried desperately to get him from the Mariners but could not work out a deal. Lou then took a deal with his hometown Tampa Bay Rays. If the Mets fail to make the playoffs this year under Jerry Manuel I would not be surprised for the Mets to look elswhere. I'm sure that Lou Piniella would be on the list of potential candidates. The thing is however, Lou the last few years does not seem to have the same fire as he once had. For a team like the Mets, who need a fiery leader, I dont know if Piniella is the right fit at this time. Along with Piniella, I'm sure much speculation will be heard regarding former Mets manger Bobby Valentine who could not work out a contract with the Marlins a few weeks ago to become their new manager. Stay tuned folks!