In 2000, arguably his best year, Benson compiled a 10-12 record, with 184 strikeouts and a 3.85 ERA in 217 innings. He then missed all of 2001 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, returning in 2002 to make 25 starts, going 9-6.
In 2004, Benson was traded to the Mets where he underwhelmed for 2 seasons to the tune of 14-12, despite pitching in a rotation that included future Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. In 2006, Benson was traded to Baltimore, making 30 starts in 2006 before missing all of 2007 with a torn rotator cuff.
After spending last season with Philadelphia's AAA affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, Benson signed a minor league contract with your Texas Rangers, receiving an invitation to Spring Training.
Since coming in, Benson is said to have impressed team officials with his preparation and now have many within the organization backing him for a spot in the starting rotation. A move like this would likely force Scott Feldman to the bullpen.
Another possibility would be to send Benson to AAA. Since he signed his minor league contract at such a late date (Feb. 21), he won't be eligible to opt out of it until May 5th, giving Texas enough time to sort out their major league rotation and determine whether or not they have a spot for him.
"I think maintaining our depth is important," said Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels. "We do have some flexibility there with him (Benson). We'll factor all of that in. "We're going to take the best 12 who give us a chance to win."
Whether Benson makes the opening day roster or not, Texas is yet another in a long line of teams betting on his potential rather that his previous performance. But at 34 years old, might it not be time to start looking at Kris Benson for what he is instead of what he was supposed to be?
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