Cubs' Piniella moves up retirement

Chicago -- Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella said Sunday he will retire immediately rather than wait until the end of the season as was originally planned.

Piniella said in a statement that Sunday's game between the Cubs and the Atlanta Braves would be his swan song, citing unspecified family reasons for the abrupt move.

"When I previously announced my intentions to retire at the end of the season, a primary reason for my decision was that it would allow me to spend more valuable time with my family," Piniella said. "That time has unfortunately gotten here sooner than I could have ever expected ... a family situation at home now requires my full attention."

The Cubs announced Sunday that third base coach Mike Quade would be the manager for the rest of the season.

"The Chicago Cubs are honored to have had Lou Piniella as our manager for the last four years," Chairman Tom Ricketts said. "My family and I respect Lou's decision to retire from the game he loves and thank him for his years of dedicated service."

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

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