He's un-Piniella-like, thank gawd.

Lou Piniella lost his zest for baseball. He exuded bad vibes in his past year as manager of the Chicago Cubs. He recently stepped down. And went home to care for his ailing mother. This action is proving to be a step up. For Piniella. And for the Cubs. Caring for a 90-year-old mother is a higher calling. And the Cubs are playing as if they're glad to get rid of Piniella. The Cubs have won 8 of their 11 games under new manager Mike Quade. They are playing the best baseball of a disappointing season. For a change, the Cubs are playing with vigor. And determination. As if their heart is in the game. They lacked that under Piniella. When Piniella became the Cubs manager three years ago, he had enthusiasm. And the Cubs made the playoffs twice. But midway through last season, Piniella seemed to become a listless old man. When the Cubs went into losing streaks, he threw up his hands and bemoaned, 'What am I supposed to do?' As if he didn't know. He was supposed to rev up the team. Piniella refused to put the blame on anyone. The players. Or himself. He said the players were putting forth effort. But it was the wrong kind of effort. It was a lacadaisical 'I don't care' effort. Under Quade, it's beginning to look like the enthusiasm has returned. And if that's the case, Quade deserves to stay on as manager for next season. He's so unPiniella-like. Which is a good thing. --Jim Broede