The Phillies and Kris Benson could reach a deal before Valentine's Day.



Gregg Clifton, Benson's agent, just called me back and said talks have progressed between the two parties. He added that nothing was imminent, but when asked if he expected something to happen one way or another in the next 48 hours, Clifton said, "That's safe to say."

Earlier in the day, Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro said he expected closure to the Benson situation "in 24-to-48 hours."

My feeling here is that a deal is going to get done. Is this the right move?

Doesn't seem like it could hurt. The Phillies had 6 starting pitchers this time last year and then Jon Lieber and Freddy Garcia both started the season on the DL and minor leaguer Zach Segovia was called up to start the fifth game of the season.

The lesson there - you can never have enough pitching depth.

So rather than wondering what the Phillies plan to do with Adam Eaton - the heavy favorite to win the 5th starter's job according to manager Charlie Manuel - it's probably best to err on the side of too much than not enough pitching.


Eaton is still owed the final two years in the 3-year, $24.5 million contract he signed last winter. While it's doubtful the team wants to pay around $8 million per for a middle reliever, it's probably too early to guess how everything will shake out since injuries can pop up pretty quick in Philliesville.