Though the Washington Nationals have yet to publically declare their interest in 35-year-old free agent right-hander Kris Benson, they continue to be tied to the former Pittsburgh Pirates' 1996 no.1 overall pick in the press. MLBTraderumors.com's Mark Polishuk, (citing a report out of Ohio from Cleveland Plain-Dealer writer Paul Hoynes, who says the Indians have no interest in Benson), speculates that the Nationals, if they are in fact interested, could be the only team that remains in the market for the 8-year MLB veteran who's made just two starts and six relief appearances in the majors since 2006.
MLB.com's Bill Ladson quoted Benson's agent Gregg Clifton in an article last week entitled, "Agent says Nats eyeing Benson", stating that he'd spoken to the Nationals on behalf of his client, "...and they were very impressed by his workout. Kris is 100 percent healthy now,":
"We had some conversations, obviously. There hasn't been much going on this week because of the [snowstorm in Washington]. That kind of restricted things. So, we'll see. All the feedback from teams has been very positive."
Benson signed with the Texas Rangers on February 21, 2009, agreeing to a one-year/$750,000 deal with incentives based upon the number of innings pitched. In 2 starts, 6 relief appearances and 22.1 IP for Texas, Benson allowed 33 hits, 23 runs, 21 ER (8.46 ERA, 55 ERA+) and 12 walks (4.8 BB/9) with 11 K's (4.4 K/9) and a WHIP over 2.00...I know the old saying is, "Never enough pitching," but there might be a point where you have too many injured pitchers...?
• Later Today: Sean Burnett Arbitration Decision, Brian Bruney Interview About His Arbitration loss...Check Back This Afternoon...