Crushing blow to the Orioles: Kris Benson out indefinitely with torn rotator cuff

By David
Kaye

Just when you though Baltimore had enough pitching problems they suffered an immense blow to their starting rotation. It was reported today by FoxSports.com and the Associated Press that righty Kris Benson is expected to miss the entire season with a torn rotator cuff.

Benson suffered from tendinitis in his pitching elbow last season, but he still managed to go 11-12 with a 4.82 E.R.A. Benson has been in the league for seven years and has spent time with the Pirates, Mets and Orioles. There was a tremendous amount of expectations for him this year as he was supposed to be an intricate part of the O's rotation.

Now Baltimore will have to count on left-hander Erik Bedard to lead the staff. Bedard, 27, had a strong 2006 campaign as he went 15-11 with a 3.76 E.R.A. The Orioles will most likely look to 22-year old Hayden Penn to fill the spot of Benson. Luckily for the O's, they have one of the best pitching coaches all-time in Leo Mazzone to help them out.

I look forward to going to Orioles spring training next week in Ft.Lauderdale and seeing players such as Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora and Ramon Hernandez.