Interview with Todd Zolecki

Below is the paraphrased transcript of The Phans Blog interview with Todd Zolecki. Todd Zolecki has been with the Philadelphia Inquirer since 1999 and has covered the team for the past five seasons. I would like to thank him again for taking the time to do the interview.

The Phans Blog (TPB): Do you think Jon Lieber will be a Phillie on opening day?

Todd Zolecki (TZ): I would be very, very surprised if he would still be on the team. Pat Gillick has commented that there is a chance they take six starting pitchers into the season but I don’t think it will happen. As spring training goes on another team will probably lose a starting pitcher to injury or find that their fourth or fifth starter isn’t working out. Lieber would probably stay with the Phillies if one of their starters were injured in spring training. Pat Gillick is very creative and could find a two-team trade involving Aaron Rowand that would net the set-up man the Phillies need, but that’s just a guess.

TPB: What kind of stats do you think Pat Burrell puts up next season?

TZ: Burrell’s numbers have gone up and down, but he could have a good year. Last season he hit almost a hundred RBI’s with one hundred fewer plate appearances than the season before when he was second in the NL in that category. If healthy there is no reason he can’t hit 30 home runs with 100 plus RBI’s.

TPB: Do you think the foot is an issue?

TZ: No. It’s hard to tell because when they tried to trade him last season they told teams the foot was fine but when he struggled the foot was listed as a reason.

TPB: Who do you think has an inside track at the final outfielders spot?

TZ: Karim Garcia is probably the guy because he’s the left-handed bat the Phillies need off the bench. The Phillies believe Chris Roberson and Michael Bourn need more time to develop as hitters in the minors.

TPB: Do you think Dobbs has the advantage over Coste for the final spot because he is also a left-handed bat?

TZ: Gillick likes Dobbs and Dobbs has a very real chance to make the team. But Coste has a good chance, too. I know Manuel really likes him. The final two bench jobs should be a battle between Garcia, Dobbs and Coste.

TPB: How many wins do the Phillies get in 07?

TZ: If the rotation stays healthy and Gillick gets a set-up man they should win at least 90 games. The offense will be fine. I don’t think Pat Burrell should be an issue. The rotation is one of the best in the league so the team should win at least 90 games and make the playoffs.

Sources:
Picture of Todd Zolecki from philly.com