From Phil Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune:

The Yankees could have chosen any team to be their first opponent, but Yankees general partner Hal Steinbrenner wanted Piniella to be part of the opening festivities, so the Cubs were his first choice.

Steinbrenner has told close friends he plans on hiring Piniella as a consultant when his managerial contract with the Cubs runs out after the 2010 season.

I always like when the Yankees do things like this - that is, bring back a former Yankee as an advisor of some kind. I would definitely like to see Piniella come back to the organization.

Via Ben.