BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- About 10 days ago (time really flies here in spring training), I sat down for a 30-minute one-on-one interview with Phillies president David Montgomery. The conversation focused on the nation's economic downturn as it relates to baseball and, specifically, the Phillies. And, make no mistake, the economy is something Montgomery is thinking about a lot these days.
Because they won the World Series, the Phillies saw a 20-percent rise in season-ticket sales from 2008 to 2009, so new GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was able to add money to the payroll. The Phils signed Raul Ibanez and reached multiyear contract agreements with five players, including Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels, and when the season opens, the payroll will top $132 million, a club record.
But nobody knows what's on the horizon for 2010. If the Phillies don't repeat and the economy doesn't turn around, there's no guarantee they'll be able to maintain this payroll. That's why Montgomery believes it's important for the next wave of homegrown Phillies players to begin making its way to the majors. In today's News Journal, we featured one of those players, infield prospect Jason Donald, who is trying to make the team in spring training. Catcher Lou Marson and right-hander Carlos Carrasco are two others for whom the Phillies have high hopes.
And, in today's video, we take a look at those three players.
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