Scott Lauber of the Wilmington News-Journal barely has his feet on the ground in Clearwater, but he's already working the stories:
"Both sides are saying, 'You want this, we want this,'" Clifton said. "We're in that mode now, and we're having conversations back and forth. From years of doing this, I'd say we'll know something in the next 24 to 36 hours, judging from where things are now."
That's Greg Clifton's version of course, but it's possible the Phillies might not think it's that much of a given.
But lets say that the reports are true, and lets say that a deal is reached. And then, lets take it a step further and say that both Benson and Adam Eaton pitch to an equal level of mediocrity in spring training. I think you'd agree, that is a pretty plausible scenario
In that case, who goes to the rotation? Who goes to the bullpen?
If the Phillies can hopefully negotiate some contractual flexibility and ink Benson to a minor-league deal, then it might not be much of an issue. But if Benson and Clifton manage to shake loose a major-league deal, then we are looking at a logjam not unlike the logjam created last season, the one that sent Jon Lieber pouting with his truck -- which screamed "compensating for something" -- to the bullpen. Remember how well that worked out? It was a move that greatly contributed to the team's dreadful April.
Don't misunderstand, I think signing Benson is a good move, the Phillies have nothing to lose, and the rotation needs some depth. But, they better make sure they've thought this through several steps ahead first, because if April had been just a hair worse last season,
Now, for a bigger question. Lets say Benson is signed to a minor-league deal and doesn't make the Phillies. Can you imagine Anna Benson spending the spring and early summer in Allentown?
