Kris Benson
| IP | 1243 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.424 |
| WHIP | 1.394 |
| BB/9 | 3.193 |
| SO/9 | 5.836 |
- Full name Kristopher James Benson
- Born 11/07/1974 in Superior, WI
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Clemson
- Debut 04/09/1999
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Drafted in the 1st round (1st overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996 (signed for $2,000,000).
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Benson is the most finished college pitcher to come along in years and some scouts say he could step right into the big leagues. He has a pitcher's body (6-foot-4, 190 pounds), an easy effortless delivery, an excellent idea of how to pitch and command of three pitches.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Benson was one of the greatest college pitching prospects of all time. The Pirates gave him a $2 million signing bonus, then a draft record, after making him the first overall pick in 1996. He pitched well in his debut in Class A, but has struggled in Double-A and Triple-A--going 11-15, 5.25 overall. Strengths: Benson has the full assortment of pitches--a 95-mph fastball, a big-breaking curveball, a sharp-breaking slider and a changeup that shows signs of being a plus pitch. He is the thinking man's pitcher, typing up copious notes on a laptop computer after each of his starts. Weaknesses: Benson's pitches catch too much of the plate--and hitters at higher levels take advantage. He needs to spot his fastball more on the inside corner and stay on top of his curveball to prevent it from flattening out. Benson also tends to think too much and might be better served by letting his natural ability to take over. The Future: With new doubts about whether Benson can become a dominant No. 1 starter, he will go back to Nashville in 1999. It's a big year for him, one that will prove whether he will justify his collegiate hype.
