Is Kris Benson Worth The Flier?

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, February 06, 2008 11:55 AM

The Phillies are reportedly deeply interested in Kris Benson. Scout Chuck LaMar has met with Benson twice in the last week, according to a Jim Salisbury article in the Inquirer.

Benson is a career 68-73 pitcher with a 4.34 ERA. His first winning season came in 2005 with the Mets, going 10-8.

Would Benson be a good fit for the Phillies?

Benson is 33; a good one-year deal with incentives and a possible second-year option sounds right. His statistics show he’s always been a consistent No. 4 starter, carrying no more than a 4.97 ERA (in an 18-start season) and no less than a 3.85 ERA (in his second season).

In fact, his last five seasons show:
2006 – 4.82 ERA
2005 – 4.13 ERA
2004 – 4.31 ERA
2003 – 4.22 ERA
2002 – 4.50 ERA

You know what you’re getting. For the most part, Benson is a ground ball pitcher, though 2006 saw him giving up 33 homers and carrying a close to even 1.09 G/F ratio. He only had one start at Citizens Bank, and gave up four earned runs in six innings. Too small a sample.

Interestingly, when he wins, he’s really good (2.15 ERA) and when he loses, well … (7.94 ERA). He seems to also pitch in stretches. He’ll be on for a couple starts, then off for a couple.

Basically, Kris Benson is a younger Jon Lieber. Which wouldn’t be bad to own for a season, maybe two. While Carlos Carrasco and Josh Outman move up slowly, we can throw Benson out there to the tune of a 4.87 ERA, and chances are we’ll be better off than with a green rookie or — gulp — Mr. Eaton.

Take the flier on Benson. Have him battle with the boys at the bottom. Stock ‘em up.

Permalink Comments (5) | Trackback (0)

5 Responses to “Is Kris Benson Worth The Flier?”

  1. Chris C. Says:
    February 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    The last sentence of this post was all that was needed to be said. There is very little downside by having a large group of guys battling it out for the 5th spot in th erotation. Competition typically brings out the best in athletes, particularly low risk/high reward players like Benson. In other words, throw a bunch of “it” at the wall and see what sticks. It can’t be any worse than what the Phills got out of the fifth spot last year.

  2. Sean P. Says:
    February 6th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    Yea i feel the same as you guys. There’s always a few players each year that have something to prove and do exceptionally well for what their getting paid. I think he’s worth a shot, and hope the Phillies sign him.

  3. Bob Says:
    February 6th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    I agree with you guys, get him before someone else does…..but i still cannot figure out why we do not want K. Lohse back….does anybody know why?

  4. xfactor Says:
    February 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    Lohse wants too much money and too many years, simple as that. And he might not be the guy to step up and deserve a spot in the rotation. At best he’s a #4 and while the Phillies could use him this season, he isn’t worth the risk of an expensive three-year deal.

    The downside to signing Benson is apparently slight, so why not? A one year, incentive laden contract isn’t going to break the bank or hang around Gillick’s neck like an albatross named Eaton.

    The competition will be good as long as Eaton isn’t handed the job because of his paycheck. Eaton might even shock people by coming back strong, but make him earn his spot in the rotation by out-dueling the others, including Benson.

  5. Jake Oger Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    well guys Adam Eaton was injured all last year did u see the games againtst the reds he pitched a beautiful game

    if he can win 13-15 games and stay healty we are good

    do not forget 3 years ago adam eaton won 17 games for texas so hes knows what hes doing

    hes just in a pitchers slump

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