No joke: Lou's Cubs can sink deeper

<font size="2"> Lou Piniella said the worst was over for the Chicago Cubs because "we've got good players here.'' Ever the wannabe comedian, I cracked: "Yeah, and you finally have a good manager, too.'' Lou didn't get the joke.</font>

<font size="2"> He thought I was paying him a compliment. In my wasted attempt at hilarity, I actually was referring to bench coach Alan Trammell, who is overseeing the dugout while Piniella serves a four-game suspension for kicking dirt on an umpire. </font>

<font size="2"> "Well, you know, I try. I do the best I can,'' Piniella said. "I've learned a lot here in two months. I've gotten to know my players. I've gotten to know a little bit of the landscape in Chicago, too.''</font>