If Lou Piniella's hiring could do this, his hiring is worth it. At least until it isn't. ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski reports: "Sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.com that Piniella, who is extremely close to [Alex] Rodriguez, expects the Cubs to aggressively pursue the 10-time All-Star. The 63-year-old manager and the 31-year-old Rodriguez have what amounts to a quasi-father/son relationship; Rodriguez was managed in Seattle by Piniella from 1994-2000. It is that relationship -- and the tantalizing talent of Rodriguez -- that has prompted Piniella to want to explore a trade with the Yankees."