Anna Benson's Husband Traded to Baltimore



The husband of former stripper Anna Benson has been traded to the Orioles. The deal has Kris Benson going south to Baltimore and relievers Jorge Julio and John Maine going to the New York Mets. Here are my thoughts on the trade:

- I have a hard time picturing Kris Benson as a team ace as some people have described his new role with the Orioles. My guess is that Rodrigo Lopez is still the opening day starter for the Orioles.

- The Orioles staff is pretty interesting now with Benson. Its like having five number 2 (or 3) starters (Lopez, Benson, Eric Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Bruce Chen). If Leo Mazzone can get these guys to lead the AL in ERA then I think sportwriters would have to seriously consider voting for Mazzone for the Hall of Fame.

- Mets GM Omar Minaya has now traded two legitimate number 3 starters - Jae Seo and Benson for four relievers when his big hole is 2nd base. Does that make sense to anyone? The Nationals have two excellent secondbasemen. The Red Sox have Tony Graffanino available. Whats with Minaya's fascination with relievers? If if he likes relievers so much - why did he let Roberto Hernandez walk to the Pirates for just $2.75 million?

- Yes the Orioles could use a starter like Benson but with Jorge Julio out of the picture - who is going to be the closer in Baltimore? How much do you want to bet that both the Braves and the Orioles have been talking to the Royals about Mike McDougal?

- Speaking of Graffanino - I would think the Sox have probably called Minaya about a Graffanino for Xavier Nady deal. It would make perfect sense from both sides and that's why I doubt if it happens. Nady would be a great cheap stop-gap in center for the Sox and Graffanino would be an excellent veteran addition to the Mets. Too bad Minaya hates the Red Sox and his hate clouds his judgment.

- It has to be noted that this could be a financial move by the Mets. They save about $7 million over two years with this trade. Prior to the trade they were at about $102 million for just 17 roster players. Last year their payroll was $109 million (if I recall correctly). Minaya may have been told it was OK to exceed last year's number but he may have been getting too close to his threshold (which made a dump of Benson necessary).

- Anna Benson has some serious naughty pillows.