amag
02-18-2002, 10:31 AM
It turns out Stephenson and Ankiel aren't the only guys competing for that final rotation spot... Andy Benes may be in the mix says Sporting News.com....
DARK-HORSE CANDIDATE
Veteran righthander Andy Benes was forgotten during the last six weeks of the 2001 season. Benes, who was 7-7 with a 7.38 earned run average for 27 games (19 starts), didn't get into a game after Aug. 30 and wasn't even included on the team's postseason roster.
But Benes, who was coming off of knee surgery that probably contributed to him adjusting his motion, has a chance to regain his starting spot -- even if it is only to keep the seat warm for the potential return of Rick Ankiel. Benes said his knee felt considerably better late in the season last year, and, though he has won 150 games in the big leagues, his pride was stung. Look for him to be good enough to make the Cardinals' staff (or somebody else's) at age 34.
DARK-HORSE CANDIDATE
Veteran righthander Andy Benes was forgotten during the last six weeks of the 2001 season. Benes, who was 7-7 with a 7.38 earned run average for 27 games (19 starts), didn't get into a game after Aug. 30 and wasn't even included on the team's postseason roster.
But Benes, who was coming off of knee surgery that probably contributed to him adjusting his motion, has a chance to regain his starting spot -- even if it is only to keep the seat warm for the potential return of Rick Ankiel. Benes said his knee felt considerably better late in the season last year, and, though he has won 150 games in the big leagues, his pride was stung. Look for him to be good enough to make the Cardinals' staff (or somebody else's) at age 34.