Piniella Says He Won’t Be Back With Reds

Lou Piniella said Tuesday that he will not return as manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Piniella said he rejected an extension of his three-year contract because it is time for a change.

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about anything--the city, the fans, the organization, the owner,” Piniella told radio station WLWT.

“It was a good three years, it was a good experience, I made some friends, I enjoyed the town, I enjoyed the players I managed . . . and I learned a hell of a lot.”

Piniella said he met with owner Marge Schott for several hours Monday to discuss his future.

“When I met with Marge, she was hoping to change my mind,” he said.

Schott could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Reds won the World Series in 1990, Piniella’s first season with the team. Cincinnati had 90 victories this season and finished second in the NL West.