December 7, 200619 yr Benitez still an option Closer could return if Giants willing to pay By Juan C. Rodriguez and Mike Berardino South Florida Sun-Sentinel Posted December 7 2006 LAKE BUENA VISTA ? Barry Bonds' arrival Wednesday sent the Winter Meetings lobby-dwelling media scurrying for sound bites. It also for the moment slowed the Marlins' pursuit of a closer. According to a National League executive who has spoken with the Giants, the Marlins are taking a serious look at bringing back Armando Benitez. In 2004, Benitez saved a National League-best 47 games for the Marlins and parlayed that into a three-year, $21.5 million outlay from the Giants. LocalLinks The key to any deal rests with how much of Benitez's contract the Giants would absorb. Benitez is due $7.6 million in 2007. The Giants also owe him a pair of $1.6 million signing bonus installments in 2008 and 2009. In his first two seasons in San Francisco, Benitez appeared in 71 games and totaled 681/3 innings, converting 36 of 48 save chances. He had problems with both knees in 2006, and in 2005 Benitez tore a hamstring and missed all but a fraction of the season. Thanks in large part to Bonds showing up with the hope of expediting his re-signing, the Giants and Marlins weren't able to significantly advance their discussions. General Manager Admin Beinfest does not comment on specifics, but he did say the Marlins remained active. "I think something could happen, but it doesn't have to happen [today]by noon to say it was a winter meetings deal," he said. "Sometimes you don't control the timing. There are some things out there that are still realistic. At least we believe they are at this point. ... I would have to say there is a little more familiarity with the names we're currently talking about." The other somewhat revealing comment Beinfest made regarded next week's non-tender date. The Marlins won't wait to see who becomes available before pulling the trigger for relief help. "Our philosophy is if it's there and it makes sense and all looks right, we'll just do it," Beinfest said. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-spm...la-sports-front
December 7, 200619 yr His WHIP the last two years (although in limited time) has been scary. Plus he's been injured. I still remember "the at-bat" when he was here though.
December 7, 200619 yr Maybe if they give him to us for Eric Reed and they pay every penny of his salary, I might like it, but even then, Eric Reed can run fast, so we may be giving up too much.
December 7, 200619 yr Depending on the real condition of his knees and his health generally, there's going to be enough youth around him to perhaps allow him to not have to pitch two-three nights in a row. After all what the Marlins appear to be doing is throw the kids out there and see if someone rises to the ocassion and become the closer of the future.
December 7, 200619 yr They want him out so badly, I'm sure he could be had for nothing if we just take the money, or a decent prospect could get him for free. In a world where Borowski gets $5 million guaranteed and Gagne will get a $10 million deal, Benitez for one year at $7 mil isn't awful.
December 7, 200619 yr Who is going to pay Gagne 10 million? Yankees offered it to have him set up. And the Red Sox have apparently offered some form of easily reached incentives contract to close for them.
December 7, 200619 yr What a sad market, if this is the best affordable option. I would rather give Kolb a shot with an incentive deal that approaches 3.5 mil.
December 7, 200619 yr The Tigers are reportedly shopping Todd Jones around too.. That may be another option.
December 7, 200619 yr i'd be willing to take Benitez back. He did a great job for us a couple of years ago, I think he deserves another shot.
December 7, 200619 yr What a sad market, if this is the best affordable option. I would rather give Kolb a shot with an incentive deal that approaches 3.5 mil. Worst option out there.
December 7, 200619 yr I have no idea how ailing either one really is (Benitez vs Jones) but if all was equal I'd take Armando's arm any day.
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