At last Friday's Cubs game, Ryne Sandberg was seen throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. This triggered a memory that there seemed to be a path from Peoria to Wrigley laid out for Ryno.

This triggered a second memory that there was speculation on this blog's part that Lou would call it quits after this year.

Today, Lou is hinting that his retirement could come rather soon:

It has been a tough year," Piniella told the New York Daily News. "And sometimes it can really take a toll on you. I don't know how much longer I want to do this."

It seems pretty obvious that if the Cubs do win the title this year, Lou is gone. What better way to go out than winning with the unwinnables?

It would be a shame to see Lou go. He's done more for this franchise and their fans in the last 18 months than anyone in the last 50 years (save, maybe, Dallas Green). But, if he goes out a winner, the shame would be just slightly mittigated, no?

Let's all be cheering Lou into retirement this year.