We've talked this one to death, and the move was all but etched in stone about a week ago, but I still say it's very much the right thing to do. It's not that I think Benson would hurt the team next year, and the $7.5 million the option held isn't a ton of money on today's market, but here are my top five reasons to not bring back Kris Benson, and why I applaud the Orioles for making the daring move:
- He just missed 2007 with a torn labrum, and this is not his first rodeo with serious arm injuries.
- Outside of the '99 and 2000 seasons, when he could strike people out, Benson has spent his entire career hovering a hair below the league average.
- He's 33 years old on Wednesday.
- That $7.5 million can be invested elsewhere, or even just in a fifth pitcher for the rotation that isn't coming off of a torn labrum that kept him out for the entirety of 2007.
- He was getting real close to a serious collapse with his K-rate and hittability, anyway.
He's going to get a Trachsel-like deal from somebody who finds themselves in need. I wish him all the best. And if it was really you, Kris Benson, that taught Erik Bedard that changeup, then thanks, big guy.