(MLB -- Devil Rays) Namoli Reads WWE.com !!!
- From: "Torrey M. Spears" <nwophoenix@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 30 Sep 2005 09:35:01 -0700
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2176867
Devil Rays buy out Piniella's final season for $2.2M
Associated Press
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Lou Piniella will not return as manager of the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays next season, a decision that had long been
expected after he questioned ownership's commitment to winning.
Piniella has one season remaining on a $13 million, four-year contract
he signed in October 2002 but, according to the terms of a buyout
announced Friday, will be free to pursue other jobs after the Devil
Rays conclude the season Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.
The buyout, one of the worst-kept secrets in baseball, was finalized
two weeks ago and calls for Piniella to receive $2.2 million of the
$4.4 million he was due next season, as well as $1.25 million in
deferred salary from 2003.
If the 63-year-old manager accepts a job with another team, the Devil
Rays could recoup some or all of the money owed for next season.
"Lou is a great baseball man and friend. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays thank
him for his service to the team and wish him well in his future
endeavors," managing general partner Vince Naimoli said in a team
statement.
The Devil Rays offered no timetable for naming a replacement.
Piniella's agent, Alan Nero, began discussions on a possible buyout
after the manager criticized the club's new ownership group led by New
York investor Stuart Sternberg for being more concerned about the
future than trying to win now.
He never backed off the statements, but said in June that he planned to
honor the remainder of the contract he signed after a highly successful
10-year run as manager of the Seattle Mariners.
The Devil Rays went 63-99 in his first season, then won a
franchise-best 70 games and finished out of last place for the first
time in club history in 2004.
Tampa Bay began this season with the lowest payroll in baseball -- just
over $29 million on opening day -- and Piniella's frustration mounted
during a dismal first half that saw the Devil Rays stumble to a 28-61
record before the All-Star break.
The manager challenged his young players to continue playing hard and
guided an impressive turnaround the second half, playing the role of
spoilers down the stretch against the playoff-contending Yankees, Red
Sox and Indians.
Piniella was teary-eyed last week after the team clinched a winning
record for the second half, however the encouraging finish wasn't
enough to change his mind about wanting out.
"It is evident by the team's play in the second half of the season that
this club is moving in the right direction," Piniella said through the
club.
"Even though I will not be a part of it next year, Rays fans should
look forward to the team's continued success. With this core group of
young players and other promising talent coming up through the minors,
the future is bright for the Devil Rays."
With three games remaining in his 19th season as a manager, Piniella
has a career record of 1,519-1,417, including a 200-282 mark with the
Devil Rays. Tampa Bay was 67-92 going into Friday night's game against
the Orioles.
.
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