CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Just got off the phone with Kris Benson's agent, who says a deal between the free-agent right-hander and the Phillies may be struck within the next 24 to 36 hours.Gregg Clifton told me he has been speaking with Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and may be close to finalizing a contract for Benson, who missed all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
"Both sides are saying, 'You want this, we want this,'" Clifton said. "We're in that mode now, and we're having conversations back and forth. From years of doing this, I'd say we'll know something in the next 24 to 36 hours, judging from where things are now."
Benson, 33, would compete with right-hander Adam Eaton (more from him later) to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter. Benson is 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA over seven seasons with the Pirates, Mets and Orioles. He's believed to be seeking a one-year, incentive-laden contract, but the Phillies may prefer signing him to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Phillies pitchers and catchers will have physicals Wednesday, with their first workout slated for Thursday at the Carpenter Complex.
More on this after I finish hacking away for the 50-center and check into my hotel. For now, though, I want to hear from you. If the Phils get Benson, would it be a good move?
15 comments:
Scott,
In your opinion, is Adam Eaton "physically" healthy right now? And by "healthy" I don't mean "Tom Gordon in spring training last year" healthy.
Would Benson be a good move? If his price isn't too expensive, sure. By that I mean, if they can walk away if it just doesn't work out in the spring. A minor league deal with invite would certainly be in this category; a one-year major-league deal could be, if the cost isn't too high and it's not guaranteed up front.
I think it's a good move, especially since they're paying Eaton 8+Mil you know they will give him at least 2 months to show if he can do the job. Then if needed Benson should be strong enough to take a regular turn in the rotation. I'm going to be in Clearwater starting Feb. 16th, any tips or suggestions on seeing the Phils workout before the spring games start? Like for instance what time are the workouts? Any other info would be greatly appreciated.
The Phillies should sign Lohse to a ` or 2 yr deal and then sign Benson and Odaliz Perez to minor league deals.
Sure I think it would be a good idea to sign Benson. Pitching depth is essential. How many pitchers did the Phillies run through last season because of injury? If a starter goes down, the Phillies don't have much currently to cover the spot in the rotation. Depth is absolutely necessary so I'd like to see Benson come in, as well as Lohse. Offer them minor league deals so they don't have to pass through waivers. Not ideal for them, but what bargaining power could these guys possibly have? Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow and they don't have a job yet.
I think Lohse is looking for 5 years and if Schilling can't go this season look for the Red Sox's to go after him.
I'd rather have Benson for one or two years for 3-5 million per than Lohse for 5 years at 10 million per. If they signed Lohse for what he's asking we'd all be complaining about him like we are Eaton in a year's time. Benson's a low risk/high reward kind of guy. Good move if it happens.
Benson might just have to spend some time on the DL or in the minors. But if he brings his 'A-game', he might find himself in the heat of the playoffs this fall.
Its all-or-nothing time for Benson. Same could be said for Eaton. And JD Durbin. And others. If Manuel plays his cards right, spring training is going to be a battle royale. Enough with the laid back approach. Do or die, later for the losers.
I can't believe Philly Fans are getting excited about Kris Benson.
Well I guess thats all you have to look foward to this season. Good Luck with that....Whatever
I guess you can never have too much depth, but as mediocre as Benson's ERA has been over the last couple years, at a quick glance his peripheral stats look even worse. 57 home runs over his last 357.1 innings translates to about 1 homer ever 6 innings. Considering that one of those seasons was spent pitching in Shea, a pitchers' park, a move to Citizens Bank Park could be downright scary. Over the last two seasons in which he pitched, Benson struck out a pedestrian 4.6 batters per 9 innings. That's not horrible for a control pitcher, but Benson's 2.9 BB/9 over the same period indicates he is not a control pitcher. A flyball pitcher with a 1.6 K/BB ratio over the last two years seems doomed to failure in a stadium such as Citizens Bank Park, but if the Phils can get him cheap there's nothing wrong with taking a flier on an experienced major league arm. NOTE: All stats are for the 2005-2006 seasons since Benson sat out the 2007 season due to injury.
enjoy the headache.
If Benson is signed to compete with Eaton for the 5th spot in the rotation, then yes it's a solid move. Keep the tab under $4 mil though. I still wouldn't expect much, but it's hard to do worse than Eaton was last year.
the big lead is linking to this post. well done, news journal blogs.
no one has mentioned the best part of signing kris is is wife ANNA!
How could anyone be excited about this? Enjoy a below average pitcher, and the baggage of Anna Benson!
Post a Comment