Online Database has 166 examples of your setup, starting with a game where white was Harry Nelson Pillsbury.  I own "Starting Out: The Scotch Game" by John Emms in the Everyman series, and Emms gives no line there where black doesn't take the QP.  Personally I like 4. d5 because it allows me to set up a position similar to playing against the K-Ind Defense or Old Indian.  I get a bigger chunk of the center when I can play c4 after the black QN gets off c6.

Um... it's main problem I think is overextending in the centre. I think that instead of d4 going into a Ruy Lopez may be better

good article, i'm just a beginner, but the scotch is my opening for white,  need more info on it,     thanks  tony

Black knight can always go to e7, g6 and come on to the center to play a more important role I think.

By the way michael if you want to post these things do it on a forum because articles are meant to be a bit more educational and forums a bit more of a discussion topic.

That is overrated it may seem good having the strong pawns but it will disappear in no time. 4d5 is useless. 4dxe5 will give you a pawn. If your opponent blunders like that take the pawn and use your advantage michael!!

it is scotch game declined

but this position is not so great

it will be +-