BRAD’S SPORTS BLURB

Most of you probably already know that long-time Major League Baseball manager (and former player) Lou Piniella retired just over a week ago. Piniella announced earlier in the season that this would be his final year as an MLB manager and he planned to retire at the end of the season. However, before the Chicago Cubs' home game against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 22, Piniella announced he would retire following that day's game so he could spend time with his ailing mother.

Piniella managed in 3,547 games, compiling a 1,835-1,712 (.517) record with the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Cubs. However, "Sweet Lou" as he was called, both for his swing as a player and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a manager, will most likely be remembered for his classic arguments and childish tirades with various umpires throughout his 23 years of managing. This brings me to my question: does Lou Piniella deserve a place in the MLB Hall of Fame?

Going solely off Piniella's numbers and awards as a player, you could make a pretty good argument that he's not worthy of the Hall of Fame. In his 15-year playing career, Piniella batted .291 with 102 home runs and 766 RBIs. However, Piniella was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Kansas City Royals and he won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978.

With Lou Piniella, you can't simply look at his numbers as a player; you have to take his managerial numbers into account as well, and this is where things get tricky. Piniella did compile a winning record in his 23 years as a MLB manager. However, he only won one World Series title (1990, Reds) despite having numerous teams that were more than capable of winning a championship.

Piniella was named Manager of the Year three times, twice in the American League (1995, 2001, Mariners) and once in the National League (2008, Cubs). Piniella finished his managerial career ranked 14th all-time on the list of managerial wins.

After reviewing "Sweet Lou's" career achievements as both a player and manager, I believe that he deserves a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame. I think the voting will be split between those who want him in the Hall of Fame and those who don't, but in the end I think Piniella will get in.

Good luck Lou! Enjoy retirement and try not to miss arguing with the umpires too much!