CHICAGO — Reds manager Dusty Baker said Cubs counterpart Lou Piniella is leaving the game the right way, on his own terms.
"Nobody has to tell you when it's time," Baker said Friday. "You know when it's time. I'm sure he probably wants to enjoy the rest of his life and do some things, especially in the summertime. We all think about it. Summertime is usually not our time. There are people surprised you have to go to the ballpark on July 4, Memorial Day, Easter."
Baker and Piniella have played against each other in the World Series, they've squared off as managers, and they both have managed the Cubs. Piniella recommended Baker to the Giants.
"When I was a coach, he came up to me one day and said, 'For the life of me, I don't understand why you haven't had the opportunity to manage,'" said Baker, sitting in the visiting manager's office at Wrigley Field before his National League Central-leading Reds faced Piniella's Cubs in the first of a three-game series. "I said, 'Thank you.' Me and Lou have always had a good relationship."
Baker isn't the only coach Piniella has recommended. He also talked to Pat Gillick about Cito Gaston, recommending the former hitting coach for the Toronto job in the '80s.
"Dusty's a good baseball guy," Piniella said. "He knows the game, he's a successful player, he's had success as a manager. I thought he'd do a good job and he has."
Baker's contract expires at the end of the season but he hinted there have been talks with Reds management about a possible extension. That's not on Piniella's mind.
"I just wish every person happiness when they do walk away from the job — no remorse, no looking back," Baker said. "Just think of the good moments you had while you were here."