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Report: Phils, Benson Agree To Deal

UPDATE (11:54 p.m.): According to Daily News writer David Murphy, Benson’s deal includes an “out clause,” which means if he’s not on the 25-man roster at a certain point, he can be released of the deal.

That’s a tad disheartening, but it’s also security for both Benson and the Phils. I’m hoping Benson is ready to go by May, and will be on the Big League roster by then; the way things sound, he may not be ready until June or so.

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UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): Benson is said to be throwing at 60-70 percent, meaning a May/June start in the rotation is more likely than Opening Day.

It never hurts to add depth to your pitching corps, and the Phillies did that today. Benson probably isn’t a No. 3 starter, but he could prove valuable in a back-end role, especially during the stretch run. At the very least, he’ll have Adam Eaton, Chad Durbin and Co. trying really hard to maintain spots in the rotation and bullpen.

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UPDATE (3:38 p.m.): Kris Benson and the Phillies have agreed to a one-year Minor League deal, per Todd Zolecki.

While I wish a second-year option was in the cards (for insurance), this is a great deal.

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Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow, and it looks one more pitcher will be joining the wagon.

Kris Benson is reportedly close to signing a deal with the Phillies. As of yesterday, a deal was said to be anywhere from 24-48 hours away. So, look for Benson to be inked either today or tomorrow.

Benson, 33, is a lifetime 68-73 pitcher with a 4.34 ERA and 1.378 career WHIP. He was sidelined with an injury in 2007, but in 2006, went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA for Baltimore. He’s a former No. 1 draft pick of the Pirates.

More updates as they come.

Tim Malcolm

Tim first found the Phillies as a little infant at Veteran’s Stadium, cheering on a Juan Samuel game-winning home run in his very first game. With the pinstripes in his blood, he witnessed Terry Mulholland’s 1990 no-hitter, “Steve Carlton Night” at the Vet, game three of the 1993 World Series, countless games during the charmed 2008 championship season and various road excursions. Since November 2007 Tim’s been writing about them daily at Phillies Nation, becoming one of the world’s most popular Phillies scribes. You can catch him on Twitter and Facebook, as well. When he’s not talking about the Phils he’s relaxing with a St. Bernardus ABT 12 or one of his many favored brews.