The Devil Rays made official Friday morning what had been rumored for weeks: Lou Piniella will not be returning for his final year as manager. In a prepared statement released by the Rays, the club announced that Piniella and the club have mutually decided to part ways. "Lou is a great baseball man and friend. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays thank him for his service to the team and wish him well in his future endeavors," managing general partner Vince Naimoli said in the statement. General manager Chuck LaMar addressed the timing of the announcement in the statement, adding, "All parties felt it would be best to announce the fact that an agreement has been reached now to end the public speculation and to give Lou the opportunity to address his players and coaches before the end of the season."