As Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reported this morning would likely happen, the Cubs have signed Larry Rothschild to a two-year contract to return as pitching coach, reports the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan (hat tip: Chicago Cubs Online).

Was Rothschild a cause or an almost victim of the Cubs staff's inability to control the strike zone? It's impossible to say from our vantage point. I was looking forward to a change in direction. But Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella obviously remain confident in Rothschild. Let's hope that confidence pays dividends.

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports that "pitching coach Larry Rothschild and third base coach Chris Speier aren't completely out of the picture." It all depends on what the new manager wants to do. (It appears then that hitting coach Gene Clines, bench coach Dick Pole, first base coach Gary Matthews, bullpen coach Juan Lopez, and special assistant Sonny Jackson are all permanently gone.)

I’m fine with Speier returning as third base coach. He’s not Wendell Kim. And he was a good fielding shortstop in his playing days, such that he ought to have some wisdom to depart in that area. As long as this is under control.