updated 11:27 a.m. ET Sept. 30, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Lou Piniella will not return as manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays next season, a decision that had long been expected after he questioned ownership’s commitment to winning.

Piniella has one season remaining on a $13 million, four-year contract he signed in October 2002 but, according to the terms of a buyout announced Friday, will be free to pursue other jobs after the Devil Rays conclude the season Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.

The buyout, one of the worst-kept secrets in baseball, was finalized two weeks ago and calls for Piniella to receive $2.2 million of the $4.4 million he was due next season, as well as $1.25 million in deferred salary from 2003.

If the 63-year-old manager accepts a job with another team, the Devil Rays could recoup some or all of the money owed for next season.

“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 a team statement.

The Devil Rays offered no timetable for naming a replacement.

Piniella’s agent, Alan Nero, began discussions on a possible buyout after the manager criticized the club’s new ownership group led by New York investor Stuart Sternberg for being more concerned about the future than trying to win now.

He never backed off the statements, but said in June that he planned to honor the remainder of the contract he signed after a highly successful 10-year run as manager of the Seattle Mariners.

The Devil Rays went 63-99 in his first season, then won a franchise-best 70 games and finished out of last place for the first time in club history in 2004.

Tampa Bay began this season with the lowest payroll in baseball — just over $29 million on opening day — and Piniella’s frustration mounted during a dismal first half that saw the Devil Rays stumble to a 28-61 record before the All-Star break.

The manager challenged his young players to continue playing hard and guided an impressive turnaround the second half, playing the role of spoilers down the stretch against the playoff-contending Yankees, Red Sox and Indians.

Piniella was teary-eyed last week after the team clinched a winning record for the second half, however the encouraging finish wasn’t enough to change his mind about wanting out.

“It is evident by the team’s play in the second half of the season that this club is moving in the right direction,” Piniella said through the club.

Slide show   The Week in Sports Pictures Manny messes up, the Tour takes off to Spain, Nomar returns and more. more photos

“Even though I will not be a part of it next year, Rays fans should look forward to the team’s continued success. With this core group of young players and other promising talent coming up through the minors, the future is bright for the Devil Rays.”

With three games remaining in his 19th season as a manager, Piniella has a career record of 1,519-1,417, including a 200-282 mark with the Devil Rays. Tampa Bay was 67-92 going into Friday night’s game against the Orioles.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Fielder blasts his way to HR Derby title   Images: See the HR Derby, All-Star rosters DeMarco: Pujols proving he’s brightest All-Star of all Vote: Who will win the Triple Crown? American League dominates NL these days Lincecum, Halladay to start All-Star game MLB blog: Obama will throw first All-Star pitch Blyleven: Selig gave All-Star Game meaning again Special feature: Top baseball All-Star moments MLB blog: Nationals right to fire uninspired Acta Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: