Cubs have big plans under Ricketts

Mar 13, 2010 - 12:33 AM MESA, Ariz.(AP) -- The Chicago Cubs will listen to manager Lou Piniella if he wants to return when his contract runs out after this season.

"If he feels well and wants to keep going, we'll have an interesting conversation," team president Crane Kenney said this week at spring training. "He has done a great job. He has raised the bar and that's a little bit of the burden we all carry now."

Piniella is in the fourth and final year of his contract. He led the Cubs to a pair of division titles before they slumped to 83-78 last season.

"I have a nice conversation with Crane every day," Piniella said.

Piniella, who will turn 67 in August, has said he doesn't want his job status to be a distraction or a daily topic of conversation.

Asked how he's feeling, Piniella said: "Last time I checked I'm not life on support."

Kenney also said the Cubs hoped to have a site for their new spring training complex picked out within two weeks.

Funding for the $84 million complex from Mesa and the Arizona legislature has been a source of controversy after it was revealed that part of the money will come from a surcharge on spring training tickets.

Kenney said the facility could be funded without the tax by using money from a property tax referendum in Mesa and a 1 percent increase in the car rental tax.

Under new owner Tom Ricketts and his family the Cubs have big plans for the complex with a "Wrigleyville West" setup that could be used year-round.

The new owners have already begun an upgrade of Wrigley Field, the second oldest park in the major leagues, improving restrooms and locker room facilities.