Benson Looks Good In Saturday Outing
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sat, March 08, 2008 04:47 PM | Comments: 8
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Ryan Lawrence of the DelcoTimes has the early scoop on Kris Benson’s 45-pitch outing today, which was his first game-like action since his shoulder injury that took him out of baseball for over a year.
The outing went more than three innings, as Benson gave up a walk and three hits in the scoreless set. He also struck out one. Benson and team officials thought the outing was very good, as Benson showed no sign of injury troubles and was very effective. Benson:
“I felt real well, real good I made some good adjustments with the breaking pitches, the curve ball felt good, the slider got better as the game (progressed), so everything felt good physically, everything felt fine.”
Phillies Assistant General Manager Mike Arbuckle, on hand with Pat Gillick for the game, said it was “a very positive outing and a good step.” Meanwhile, Benson said he doesn’t want to rush his rehabilitation, but this baby step is an absolute victory for the Phillies.
It especially is a victory after Travis Blackley stumbled in his first spring start, a true tryout for the fifth starter spot that looks to be vacated by the injured/failure Adam Eaton. Blackley gave up five earned runs while walking four. More on his performance in the game recap post. It’s becoming more possible Benson could be ready to go by April 9, the day the fifth starter would likely first pitch, and judging by this first bit of action, he could be better than we hoped.
Posts: 0 Sean
With Blackley’s collapse, as mentioned, and that Carlos Carrasco is probably just too young to be ready yet (he can’t drink in the US for a few weeks still), I am hoping desperately to see someone step up and take that fifth spot. I believe that Benson is the best pitcher vying for the spot with the best stuff and if he can stay healthy, I think he has it locked. If he can’t pitch in April, I am pretty worried about who we’ll see every fifth day because the Phils might pitch Eaton, just to get their money’s worth.
philadelphiabaseball.blogspot.com
Posted: 06:47 PM on March 8, 2008
Posts: 0 NateB
A healthy Benson is money. With his talent he could be the third-string ace of the staff. Let’s pray he keeps getting healthier.
Posted: 01:38 AM on March 9, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Nate, I’d project Benson as a fourth starter, which would still be effective for the Phillies. They’d be carrying a No. 1, a No. 2, two No. 4s and a No. 5. Not bad for the National League.
Posted: 03:47 AM on March 9, 2008
Posts: 0 VA Steve
If (a big IF), management was smart, we would sign Kyle Loshe. A great #4 or #5 starter, and provides insurance in case Moyer or Kendrick fades. Would be a great option, and perhaps enough for us to make a run!!!
Posted: 08:53 AM on March 9, 2008
Posts: 0 Blackley Disappointing In Loss | Phillies Nation
[...] VA Steve on Benson Looks Good In Saturday Outing:"If (a big IF), management was smart, we would sign Kyle…" [...]
Posted: 11:52 AM on March 9, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
He would make great insurance, and would possibly be fifth starter automatically; however, he’d still be worth a couple million, and it’s unlikely the Phils have any more to spend. They did offer Lohse a deal a while back (something around $13MM over 3 years), but he denied it. Bad move, Kyle.
Posted: 11:55 AM on March 9, 2008
Posts: 0 Lewisauce
Tim, I read on the Phillies mailbag on the team’s official page that the Phils offered Lohse $21 million over three years, and he turned it down.
I hope he has fun playing Xbox this summer.
Seriously, though, I’m not as concerned about the fifth starter as everyone else. Benson has already had the string of career-ending injuries, and I think he’s past that — at least for a season or two. I think he’s definitely the guy. I hate to say it, but we might have to start slop and leftovers (Durbins/Eaton) for a month or so until Benson’s ready, which by all accounts should be May 1 at the latest.
Posted: 04:37 AM on March 10, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Yeah, $21M, that’s right. What an idiot.
Posted: 07:12 AM on March 10, 2008