Benson still a Phillie and a prospect rising

March 27, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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This is some good news for Philadelphia Phillies fans, Kris Benson is still with the team. The sides came together on a new minor league deal that gives Benson more money. The deal also pushes back his opt-out day. Here’s how it goes, on May 15th if Benson is not on the major league roster AND has completed 10 innings of minor league action he can opt out and become a free agent. If he has not pitched 10 innings yet there is a second opt out date. That date would be June 1st and he can opt out no matter what if he’s not yet on the major league roster.

After signing this deal, Benson was immediately assigned to the minor league camp and will continue his rehab and comeback there. This is good news for the Phillies, they need pitching options. There’s not much talent in the upper levels of the minors right now that can immediately help out if there’s an injury or Adam Eaton continues to pitch like Adam Eaton. The Phils, expect Benson to be fully healed and up to strength by the middle of May. By the way his spring has gone, there is no reason to doubt this.

What other options do the Phillies have if Benson doesn’t join the majors? There is the young kid Andrew Carpenter. Phillies fans have known about this guy but the baseball world took notice after yesterdays appearance against the New York Yankees. He pitched 4 innings, struck out 6 and only gave up 2 hits. Last year, Carpenter pitched in A ball but will start this year of in double A ball. Carpenter has big expectations as well, he wants to be this years Kyle Kendrick. If his development continues this year, you might see him in the majors come August as either a starter or a reliever. Maybe he can be this years Joba Chamberlain instead of Kendrick? The Phils, do have a bunch of dead arms in their bullpen and could use the help there even more. This kid has some nasty stuff with 5 good pitches, can’t wait to see him mystifying hitters in Citizens Bank Park.