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AP Photo/Pat SullivanLou Piniella wants to return the focus to the field after his retirement announcement.

"Let's just concern ourselves with the team," Piniella said before Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros. "Let's win as often as we can. That's all we can do."

Although Piniella is sure the retiremenet talk is behind him now, there is no doubt he will be questioned about his future plans and his decision to retire in every city the Cubs visit.

"I think [media] will wish me a happy retirement," Piniella said. "I don't see where I need to be the focus. Our players here and the team are the focus. If they ask me I'll answer some questions, but I prefer we talk about this team. If we want to reminisce or anything we casn do it at the end of the season."

Many candidates are lining up for the Cubs vacancy. However, bench coach Alan Trammell wants to concentrate on his job for now.

"It's been a great four years with Lou," Trammell said. "I can't express how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with him and being with him. There's a time and place for things, and Jim is going to go through the process, and we'll see what happens down the road."

I asked Trammell, who managed the Detroit tigers from 2003-05, if he is ready to lead a team again.

"At this point I'm not even thinking about it," Trammell said. "I am not. I'm very appreciative that my name is being considered. I think down the road is the time to talk about it some more."