Cubs' pitching coach Rothschild picks up 2011 option

If Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild has his way, he'll be back next year. But there's still a ways to go before Rothschild is sitting in the dugout for a 10th consecutive season at Wrigley Field.

As expected, Rothschild on Monday exercised his option to return next year. That was strictly a procedural matter, one that gives Rothschild a measure of contractual protection.

Rothschild's status won't become finalized until the Cubs name a new manager, something that is expected to happen in the next 2-3 weeks.

The next manager will be allowed to name his own pitching coach. If Mike Quade retains the job, it's likely Rothschild would return.

Quade took over from Lou Piniella in late August after Piniella resigned to take care of his ailing mother.

“Larry is one of the best in the business, said general manager Jim Hendry. “The pitching improved down the stretch, especially the young pitching. He's got the utmost respect from the staff.

The Cubs finished the 2010 season with a record of 75-87, good for fifth place in the National League Central.

With a rookie-laden pitching staff, the Cubs were 13th in the National League in ERA (4.18) and fourth in strikeouts. They also issued the most walks in the NL (605). The Cubs led the National League in quality starts, with 96. In those games, the team went 59-37, and the starters had an ERA of 2.09.

Rothschild, 56, joined the Cubs as pitching coach in the fall of 2001. He has worked under managers Don Baylor, interim manager Bruce Kimm, Dusty Baker, Piniella and Quade.

The Cubs staff has featured phenoms such as Kerry Wood and Mark Prior during Rothschild's early years with the team. Rothschild worked to bring veteran Ryan Dempster back from Tommy John surgery beginning in 2004. Dempster became the Cubs' closer before returning to the starting rotation in 2008.

Until this year, Rothschild's staffs perennially led the NL in strikeouts.

This season, the Cubs opened with four young relievers and the bullpen struggled early before improving as the season went on.

“His work ethic hasn't changed, Dempster said of Rothschild late in the season. “He works as hard as he ever has, if not harder. He's really helped a lot of these guys. When you're young and you first come in, you're going to have some struggles, especially when you're playing good teams. He's worked with the guys to make adjustments. He does' a really, really good job. There's a reason a why he's been a great pitching coach for so long.

“I've enjoyed every minute of working with him.

Rothschild appeared uncertain of his status in the season's final two months.

“A lot's happened this year, he said in August. “When that happens, and you get to the last month or two, there's a lot of uncertainty. So we'll see what happens.

“As a coach, to be in one place for any length of time is a rarity. And that's unfortunate. That's the way the game's changed.

Rothschild's regime

Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild exercised his contract option Monday for 2011. Rothschild's final status won't be known until the Cubs name a manager. Here is how Rothchild's pitching staff has fared the last four seasons:

2010

ERA: 4.18 (13th in NL)

Strikeouts: 1,268 (4th)

Walks: 605 (most in NL)

2009

ERA: 3.84 (5th)

Strikeouts: 1,272 (2nd)

Walks: 586 (11th fewest)

2008

ERA: 3.87 (3rd)

Strikeouts: 1,264 (1st)

Walks: 548 (7th fewest)

2007

ERA: 4.04 (2nd)

Strikeouts: 1,211 (1st)

Walks: 573 (13th fewest)

Source: MLB, Cubs