Benson To Avoid Surgery, Other Notes

The third time is a charm for injured pitcher Kris Benson as his visit to a specialist in Alabama netted him a glimmer of hope. The third opinion has allowed Benson to attempt a month-long rehabilitation effort on his shoulder. If his shoulder improves then Benson may be able to return sometime during the 2007 season. (seen here in the Sun.)

Good news for Benson and the O's. I still think that nothing short of a miracle will keep Benson off the operating table this year but it is good to see him exploring all his options. Frankly the smart thing would be to get the surgery and come back strong, but if his rehab goes well we could be seeing good ol' Kris back at sometime during the 07 campaign.

In other early spring training news:

- Players are showing up early left and right including everyone's favorite Dominican short-stop (that was actually BORN there, I'm looking at you Jeter!) Miguel Tejada. Miggy's attitude and state of mind has been a hot topic through all of 2006 as accusations of lackluster efforts and revelations about showing up late to workouts and games came to light. But Miggy showed up early to camp and with a giant smile on his face. He's hungry to win and all signs point to a renewed Miggy. in fact the entire team is in good spirits as camp begins, and that is a VERY good thing.

- Now that the Orioles have signed pitcher Eric Bedard to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration, the FO re-focused attention back to signing second-baseman Brian Roberts to a multi-year deal. Roberts is happy with the deal he got now and seems optimistic that a long-term deal will get worked out. But the Orioles need to tread lightly here. After all kids, Roberts will turn 30 this year that is something that needs to be taken into consideration. To me a three year deal with an option for a 4th would be ideal for the Orioles and Roberts. And I'm not a betting man, but I am willing to figure that is pretty much what the final deal will look like.

-The Orioles also took a look at a Japanese pitcher of their own today. But Matsuzaka he is not. And he failed to make an impression on any front office personnel in Ft. Lauderdale. Too little too late it seems, but at least the Birds are making an attempt to branch out into the far east.

Spring Training is here guys, expect more updates as things start happening and we can finally start counting down until that beautiful spring-time ritual, opening day. I personally am done with the ice field that has become my yard and driveway. Attempts to clear it are futile at best which reduces me to doing my best Brian Boitano impression as I get out of my car. But baseball is coming ever closer and I'm getting antsy.

Also, this is a call to anyone going down to Spring Training. TAKE PICTURES, and SEND THEM TO ME! I would love to get some ST reports from my fellow flockers out there.