Feb. 13 -- BENSON TO PHILLIES

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Kris Benson -- and by extension, his wild wife Anna -- have agreed to join the Phillies.

Benson, a right-hander who is attempting to return after having rotator cuff surgery March 20, agreed today to terms of a minor-league contract with the Phillies. The deal is pending a physical tomorrow in Philadelphia. Financial terms weren't immediately available.

Chuck LaMar, the Phillies' director of pro scouting, watched Benson throw twice in the past 10 days and said his velocity is "60 to 70 percent" of his pre-surgery form. LaMar said it's doubtful that Benson will make the team out of spring training, but he could be ready later in the season.

"He's coming into camp thinking he'd be ready opening day," LaMar said. "That's awfully aggressive for us being only 10-1/2 months post-op. I think Kris still has a ways to go. The command of his pitches are in place. Really, we're just waiting on the velocity.

"If he continues to make the progress that he's made, he'll pitch in the major leagues again. I was very encouraged by the workouts. He wanted to be a Philadelphia Phillie and wanted to get this done."

Benson, 33, is 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA in seven seasons with the Pirates, Mets and Orioles. Read more about Anna here.

(Update, 4:30 p.m.): Just talked to Ruben Amaro Jr. He said there is an "out clause" in Benson's contract but didn't elaborate. He said it's possible that Benson may open the season at triple-A Lehigh Valley, although Benson's situation will be evaluated at the end of spring training and the sides will come to a "mutual agreement" about what happens next.