According to a late/early report in the Chicago Tribune from Paul Sullivan, Larry Rothschild spoke up and took "the blame for poor results" from the pitching staff. This is a good start to repair the public reputation of Rothschild....most of the Faithful did not want him to return. But the most refreshing sign was this:

Prior's throwing program could have him ready by spring training, but the Cubs aren't penciling him into the 2007 rotation. "Going in we need to look at it like we can't count on him, and if he's back it's a big plus," Rothschild said. "We can't get caught short....You hope if he does everything he can, and if everything happens the right way, you have a pitcher who's obviously going to help."

This is a good sign....they are finally not going to rely on Mark Prior and Kerry Wood.