If 2010 is the last season of Lou Piniella’s managerial career, and all indications seem to point that direction, then the obvious question is who should take over the reigns when he leaves?

To that end, I considered some candidates who may be available if and when Lou finally hangs ‘em up for good, and tried to document what I believe to be the pros and cons of each alternative.

I would love to know what you think.

Bob Brenly

We all know that Bob won a World Series title with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. Many also feel that his experience in the booth as the Cubs color analyst has prepared him well to manage the Cubs. He certainly knows the players well; he knows their tendencies and has formed opinions about how they play and he seems to know his stuff.

But is he a good manager? ESPN’s Keith Law told me he does not think so. Law told me that he was the classic over-manager, who abused his pitching staff. Despite that, I would take a serious look at Bob, who I think would jump at the opportunity.

Bob’s Odds: 5-1

Alan Trammell

There are some who feel that Tram should be in the Hall of Fame, but it isn’t because of his record as a manager. He has a .383 winning percentage in three seasons at the Tigers helm, though he admittedly had some awful teams to manage.

While the lack of talent during his stint with Detroit makes it hard to assess his ability as a manager, he does share some of the similar advantages that makes Brenly a viable option. As Lou’s bench coach since 2007, Tram has obviously worked closely with the team and even managed them when Lou was out.

The downside is that he would not really be a new voice in the dugout, and that may be what the team needs.

Bob’s Odds: 20-1

Ryne Sandberg

There is no doubting how badly Ryno wants to be a major league manager. Specifically, he wants to manage the Cubs, the team he spent the majority of his Hall of Fame playing career with, and the team for which he currently manages in the minors for.

Unlike his playing days, when he seemingly never had a thought to share, or a word to express out loud, Ryno has come out of his shell as a minor league skipper.

He has had success, too.

Although great players in any sport seldom make the best coaches and managers, I like the cut of his jib. Instead of going the route of the pampered ex-athlete, Ryno is riding buses in the minors in an attempt to learn the craft and gain the necessary experience.

Still, he is obviously unproven as a leader of men at the major league level, since he was only a leader by example in his playing days. New owner Tom Ricketts is said to  have an affinity for old number 23, and will likely have his full support when the time comes.

Ryno is the odds-on favorite in my mind, though Jim Hendry does prefer his managers to have previous major league experience. But even Lou thinks Ryno has a good chance to be his successor:

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