The Phillies could reach a conclusion in the Kris Benson sweepstakes as early as tomorrow.
The Phillies continue to talk with Benson’s agent, Gregg Clifton, about a one-year contract. Benson has thrown for the Phillies three times this off-season: once in December and twice recently in private sessions with Phillies scout Chuck LaMar.
If Benson, who missed last season recovering from right shoulder surgery, signs with the Phillies, he would compete for a starter’s job with Adam Eaton, Chad Durbin, J.D. Durbin and Travis Blackley.
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Righthander Scott Mathieson could have suffered another setback to his surgically repaired right elbow. He has experienced more discomfort there, and was scheduled to see team physician Michael Ciccotti today in Philadelphia. Mathieson is likely to see orthopedist Lewis Yocum in the near future.
“Hopefully we’ll find out good news from that,” Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
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Lefthander Mike Zagurski still isn’t 100 percent after he had surgery last year to repair a torn hamstring. He will be slowed this camp.
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Lefthander Matt Smith still is recovering from Tommy John surgery last year. He will not be competing this spring.
Comments (10)
Wow Todd.....any more awful news?
Posted by ben | February 12, 2008 5:48 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 17:48
When reading about Kris Benson does anyone else have any Freddy Garcia flashbacks?
Although, I would assume Benson's wife is hotter, so there's that.
Posted by ha-mace | February 12, 2008 5:56 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 17:56
Save for Mathieson, none of this is awful news. Him having a setback kind of sucks, but for a guy who hasn't been healthy, it's not really surprise. He's not a guy they desperately need now, all they need is for him to get healthy.
Matt Smith is a fraud, and Zagurski is a screw-up.
I, for one, continue to hope they reach a deal with Benson. I feel he can really help out if he stays healthy.
Posted by Ed | February 12, 2008 5:58 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 17:58
I disagree Ed. Mathieson and Zagurski could both be BIG contributors this year if healthy
Posted by Ben | February 12, 2008 6:03 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 18:03
Benson may not be ready until late spring or early summer, but even so he just might give the Phillies the boost they need.
The battle for the last few spots on the roster is going to be fierce. Too bad Bronco Zagurski and Mathieson don't appear healthy enough to compete.
Posted by xfactor | February 12, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 18:14
The "news" on Zagurski and Smith really isn't new; neither of them was expected to be ready to go at the start of Spring Training. The Mathieson item, though...not encouraging. Hopefully, it's not serious, just post-surgical stuff (adhesions, etc.); we'll see.
Posted by Dave | February 12, 2008 6:15 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 18:15
Hey Ben,
Ed actually would like to see Mathieson make a contribution this season, read carefully.
As for me (and I think Ed would agree with this one,) the only contribution I'd like to see Zagurski make this year is the one for his share of the clubhouse spread.
Posted by Mike | February 12, 2008 7:14 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 19:14
I will be happy so long as it doesn't involve giving Kyle Lohse a multi-year deal...but sorry to hear the news on Mathieson...
Posted by Dave | February 12, 2008 7:17 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 19:17
I'd feel much better if Dr. Michael Ciccotti and his crack medical staff checked out Kris Benson before we make this big plunge. After all look at the job they did with Garcia, Eaton, Gordon, and yes, Joe Borowski.
Once Dr. Ciccotti gives his blessing we can all rest easier.
Go Phils!
Posted by jrquixote | February 12, 2008 8:50 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 20:50
Finally, news about pitching. Benson could turn out to be a good deal. I kinda thought Zagurski would eventually learn to pitch at the major league level and be pretty effective. He has pretty good stuff and he's a left hander. Personally, I wouldn't trash him just yet. He came up last year after burning through the minors only because the Phils were desperate.
I hope Mathieson is ok because that guy had a nasty fastball. What a shame if he needs more surgery.
I still can't believe Cicotti said Joe Borowski was gonna break down and the guy had about 50 saves. Incredible. The best line I read about that was from an Inquirer writer who said the sick and the infirm where flocking to Jacobs Field in hope of a miracle because of the miraculous recovery of Joe Borowski.
When I read Zolecki's blurb above I noticed Benson would compete with Eaton and others but Kendrick wasn't mentioned with the others. I'm glad I was barking up the wrong tree about Kendrick. I thought he wasn't a sure bet to make the rotation. I might still be right but I'm glad the Phillies brass feel confident in Kendrick. It would really help if Kendrick could be as affective as last season.
Posted by johnny p | February 12, 2008 10:57 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 22:57