Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella relaxes in front of the dugout before his team's 8-5 exhibition win over the Seattle Mariners to begin Big League Weekend at Cashman Field. Photos by John Locher. Cubs newcomer Alfonso Soriano is greeted by a teammate after scoring in Chicago's 8-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night at Cashman Field. The teams meet again at 1:05 p.m. today.

Mark Prior and Kerry Wood are still struggling to rediscover their pitching form. That's about the only thing that hasn't changed this season for the Chicago Cubs.

After going 66-96 and finishing last in the National League Central last year, the Cubs went on a $300 million spending spree, and their biggest offseason transaction was signing prized free-agent outfielder Alfonso Soriano to a $136 million, eight-year deal, the fifth largest in baseball history.

The Cubs also added second baseman Mark DeRosa, outfielder Cliff Floyd, utilityman Daryle Ward and starting pitchers Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, along with getting a healthy Derrek Lee back at first base.

But the move that might make the biggest impact on the team long known for being "lovable losers" was the hiring of fiery manager Lou Piniella.

"He's a winner," general manager Jim Hendry said Friday before Chicago's 8-5 victory over Seattle to begin Big League Weekend. "He expects that out of himself and I think he'll be the right guy to lead our club."

Piniella began his managing career with the New York Yankees in 1987 and went on to guide the Cincinnati Reds to the 1990 World Series crown. He was twice named American League Manager of the Year with the Mariners and led the 2001 club to a 116-46 record, which tied the 1906 Cubs for the most wins in baseball history.

Piniella, a Tampa native, struggled as manager of his hometown Devil Rays from 2003 to 2005 before taking last season off to do television work.

"I didn't want my career managing ending with three losing seasons in Tampa Bay," the 63-year-old said. "We've got a club here that's got some talent, it's experienced and it's ready to win now."

Piniella said he relishes the challenge of bringing a World Series title to the Cubs for the first time since 1908.

"That's what we're working for," he said. "It's a fun thing and it's a challenging thing. Chicago's a great sports town, the Cubs are a storied franchise and this is a wonderful opportunity to come in here and help them win. I'm looking forward to this."

Piniella is known for throwing temper tantrums -- along with some bases -- on the field. He also once famously kicked his hat around the infield several times before finally leaving the field to cheers.

Piniella has been ejected from 57 games as a manager, but he said he's mellowed with age: "I'm still competitive. I'm probably not as intense, but I'm still competitive."

He's also still emotional. Piniella teared up during a recent segment on "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" while simply talking about the start of spring training.

"It should be emotional," he said. "I enjoy putting on the uniform. I was away from it a year, and this is going to be my last job. I hope I can do a really good professional job for this organization and I can help this team get to the postseason and hopefully go on to bigger and better things than that."

Piniella said the team has developed good chemistry in the spring and his sights are set on taking the Cubs from worst to first in the NL Central.

"We're in a competitive but a winnable division," he said. "I love high expectations. This is the type of situation that I enjoy as a manager."

The Cubs beat the Mariners with power hitting Friday, getting two-run homers by Michael Barrett and Aramis Ramirez to win in front of a crowd announced at 11,562.

Barrett homered in the third inning and Ramirez in the fourth, both to left field. Lee had an RBI triple and two RBIs. Jose Guillen and Adrian Beltre each hit two-run homers for Seattle, and Ichiro Suzuki and Richie Sexson had two hits apiece.

The teams play again at 1:05 p.m. today.