According to reports I read over the years, the Cubs recommended surgery on a couple of occasions. Prior was the one who chose to try to go the non-surgical route in hopes of getting back faster. I dont remember that at all. And even so, thats fine after the first 6 months go by, but after that the Cubs could have, and should have said surgery time, no more wasting time. The Cubs don't have the right to say that. They can't force the player to have surgery. If they want to cut him because he refuses to have surgery, that's their right, but a club cannot do more than recommend that a player goes under the knife. Should the Cubs have told Prior that he was either going to have surgery or they were releasing him? IMO, no. That would have been way too drastic, and there would be some legal issues I think even with a threat like that. Well they stuck with what they were doing way too long. Rehab, towel drill, rehab, simulated game, towel drill, rehab, etc. etc etc. At some point before 2 years, you need to do something different.