MASN: Kubatko: Catching up with Kris Benson

This is very, very disturbing news. No, not that a handful of teams want Kris Benson…it’s Frenkel’s news zap of Ray Dennis Steckler’s death!

I had a nice chat last night with former Orioles pitcher Kris Benson, who surprised me with a phone call around 10 p.m. I didn’t recognize the number and screened him.

Benson is throwing off a mound today after restricting himself to a long-tossing program, and he’ll be showcased for interested teams on Jan. 24 in Scottsdale, AZ. He’s looking for an available field and probably will end up at a local high school.

“Whatever it takes to get back,” he said.

Benson, who underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in March 2007, ending his spring training and his final season with the Orioles, says the Cardinals and Dodgers have expressed the most interest. Dodgers executive Logan White watched him throw off flat ground last week.

Benson also mentioned the Diamondbacks and Rangers among a handful of clubs that could decide to sign him. He said the Indians showed some interest before signing Carl Pavano.