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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Cubs Manager Shrugged Off Blago's Lineup Advice

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(Newser) – Rod Blagojevich sought to extend his influence beyond politics and media during his tenure as Illinois governor, the Chicago Tribune reports, sending Cubs manager Lou Piniella lineup suggestions in 2007. “I’ve talked to him, baseball-wise,” Piniella said of a note from Blagojevich during a rough patch. “He’s a big Cubs fan. Obviously we didn’t heed his advice.”

The letter—bringing to Piniella’s attention a cartoon in the Sun-Times comparing the manager to Blagojevich—appears on the Tribune website. “What a great compliment for me,” the since-indicted governor wrote before advising in a postscript that Piniella move slugging outfielder Alfonso Soriano from the leadoff to the third spot. Says Piniella, “We always welcome suggestions.”

Rod Blagojevich arrives at his home after pleading not guilty to federal racketeering and fraud in federal court in Chicago on Tuesday.
Rod Blagojevich arrives at his home after pleading not guilty to federal racketeering and fraud in federal court in Chicago on Tuesday.   (AP Photo)
The Chicago Cubs' Lou Piniella was the National League's manager of the year in 2008.
The Chicago Cubs' Lou Piniella was the National League's manager of the year in 2008.   (AP Photo)
Lou Piniella is known for a fiery temper, but laughed off lineup suggestions from then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2007.
Lou Piniella is known for a fiery temper, but laughed off lineup suggestions from then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2007.   (AP Photo)
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