Pitching coach Rich Dubee chatted with reporters prior to tonight's Phils-Braves game here in Disney World and shed some light on two of the bigger stories involving the team in spring training.

When will Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero be ready... and can Kyle Kendrick outpitch Jamie Moyer for the fifth spot in the rotation?

Romero threw another bullpen session today but is still throwing just fastballs and isn't scheduled to face hitters any time soon. His Opening Day status?

"I haven't ruled it out, but it’s a very very long shot for sure. But that’s what we anticipated," Dubee said of Romero.

Lidge will face hitters for the first time in a live BP session tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Can he make it to Opening Day?

"He’s further along (than Romero) this point," Dubee said. "He’s still no the radar screen (for Opening Day), that’s for sure."

But Dubee cautioned the Phils are still moving along conservatively with both pitchers and the goal isn't Opening Day, but to avoid any steps back in their respective rehabs.


The other news was Kyle Kendrick's impressive five shutout innings after his first two spring starts. Jamie Moyer, the other fifth starter candidate, threw three shutout innings in a "B" game last week and is on tap for another "B" game tomorrow.

So who's the current favorite?

"For me (Moyer) comes in with a big track record, and you can't ignore that," Dubee said.