Interview With Phillies Beat Writer Scott Lauber from the Wilmington News Journal

Scott Lauber covers the Phillies for the Wilmington New Journal and was nice enough to answer some questions regarding the Phillies.


Us & Them: After Kyle Kendrick's poor outing against the Red Sox, do you believe the Phils are more dedicated to going after a starting pitcher at the deadline?

Scott: The Phils were dedicated to finding another starting pitcher long before Kendrick's outing on Wednesday. The problem, as always, is whether they have enough bait to land a quality starter in a trade.



Us & Them: Is there anybody on the Phils roster now who you could see being traded before the deadline?

Scott: At this point, I think few players -- other than Utley, Rollins, Howard and Hamels -- are absolutely untouchable. Having said that, the Phillies are pretty happy with the makeup of their team, and they are looking to add, not subtract. I think they'd like to get another pitcher without trading anyone on the current roster.



Us & Them: If the Phils are unable to pick up a starter at the deadline, will they fill that spot with anyone from the minors perhaps? Anyone besides Kris Benson? And who on the staff is likely to be replaced?

Scott: Other than Benson, there isn't a starter in the minors capable of joining the rotation this season. Carlos Carrasco isn't ready yet. J.A. Happ isn't a permanent solution. If Benson proves he's healthy, he's the only serious candidate. The Phillies will give Brett Myers every chance to turn things around. If he can't, I could see him going to the bullpen.



Us & Them: The Marlins seem to be showing signs of coming back down to earth, The Braves are without John Smoltz for the year and the Mets just fired Willie Randolph. Even with the starting pitching the way it is for the Phils right now, is there any reason to be worried about any of the three teams chasing them?

Scott: The Marlins are hanging in it, although I don't know if they can sustain that throughout the summer. Without Smoltz and Glavine, the Braves have issues. The Mets are in all sorts of turmoil, but I'd be surprised if they don't make another run at first place.





Us & Them: Finally, A few questions about the minor leagues.

A: Lou Marson is really coming along, turning into , in my mind, the Phils number one catching prospect. What are your thoughts on him, and when could we possibly see him up with the big club?

Scott: If Marson continues to play well, I think it's possible he could reach the majors before the end of next season.



B: Any thoughts of moving Adrian Cardenas to Third?

Scott: I recently was told that third base isn't in the plans for Cardenas. Of course, that could change if he continues to develop.



C: Do you believe Greg Golson has the ability to be a better player then Michael Bourn?

Scott: Good question. From what I hear, Golson's stolen-base ability and center-field defense are good enough for him to be in the majors now. His hitting is the big question. Playing everyday in the minors has helped him, just as it would've helped Bourn last season if he'd been starting in Triple-A instead of sitting on the bench in the majors. But Golson must continue to develop offensively before we'll know how good he can be.


Thanks again to Scott Lauber, you can read him everyday in the Wilmington News Journal and check out his blog.

Mike Santa Barbara