PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Kris Benson left the Pittsburgh Pirates' clubhouse for perhaps the last time Thursday, convinced he'll be traded by Saturday.
``I know it's going to happen, it's just a matter of when and where,'' Benson said. ``Right now, the team isn't telling me anything.''
The Twins have been the most aggressive team in pursuing Benson, who could be the most prized starting pitcher available before Saturday's deadline if Arizona doesn't deal Randy Johnson.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield's patience could be a sign he is waiting to see if the Diamondbacks move Johnson to the New York Yankees, which, in turn, might pressure other AL contenders to add pitching. Littlefield did not accompany the Pirates on their weekend trip to Milwaukee following a 3-2 loss Thursday afternoon to Atlanta, but did meet afterward behind closed doors with manager Lloyd McClendon.
At the same time, Littlefield might be hoping he can get more for Benson should Johnson not be traded and Benson is still available as the 4 p.m. deadline approaches Saturday.
Littlefield has suggested the Pirates might keep Benson (8-8, 4.22 ERA), but the right-hander dismissed that by saying the team has made no effort to re-sign him. The Pirates would get nothing for him if he signs with another team as a free agent during the offseason.
Despite Benson's recent success -- he has pitched into the seventh inning in all but one of his last dozen starts -- some teams may be reluctant to deal away prospects for a pitcher with no prior pennant race experience. The Pirates have had a losing record every season since drafting Benson in 1996, and he's below .500 (43-49) for his career.
``Right now, I don't know what to think,'' Benson said.
Benson is scheduled to start Saturday night in Milwaukee -- four hours after the deadline.
If Benson is dealt, right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (2-7, 6.69 ERA) would get his first start since he beat the Astros 7-2 on June 23.
``I know it's going to happen, it's just a matter of when and where,'' Benson said. ``Right now, the team isn't telling me anything.''
The Twins have been the most aggressive team in pursuing Benson, who could be the most prized starting pitcher available before Saturday's deadline if Arizona doesn't deal Randy Johnson.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield's patience could be a sign he is waiting to see if the Diamondbacks move Johnson to the New York Yankees, which, in turn, might pressure other AL contenders to add pitching. Littlefield did not accompany the Pirates on their weekend trip to Milwaukee following a 3-2 loss Thursday afternoon to Atlanta, but did meet afterward behind closed doors with manager Lloyd McClendon.
At the same time, Littlefield might be hoping he can get more for Benson should Johnson not be traded and Benson is still available as the 4 p.m. deadline approaches Saturday.
Littlefield has suggested the Pirates might keep Benson (8-8, 4.22 ERA), but the right-hander dismissed that by saying the team has made no effort to re-sign him. The Pirates would get nothing for him if he signs with another team as a free agent during the offseason.
Despite Benson's recent success -- he has pitched into the seventh inning in all but one of his last dozen starts -- some teams may be reluctant to deal away prospects for a pitcher with no prior pennant race experience. The Pirates have had a losing record every season since drafting Benson in 1996, and he's below .500 (43-49) for his career.
``Right now, I don't know what to think,'' Benson said.
Benson is scheduled to start Saturday night in Milwaukee -- four hours after the deadline.
If Benson is dealt, right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (2-7, 6.69 ERA) would get his first start since he beat the Astros 7-2 on June 23.
