Benson Trade Rumor Thread (Julio? Vazquez? Pudge?)

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

ANNA'S CALL TO METS: DON'T DEAL MY HUBBY

By MICHAEL MORRISSEY

With Kris Benson solidly on the trading block, his controversial wife phoned Mets COO Jeff Wilpon last week to address any misunderstandings after her recent incendiary comments.

Additionally, Anna Benson made a personal plea to Wilpon to keep her husband in Flushing � and yesterday afternoon Benson reiterated his desire to stay a Met during an exclusive interview with The Post.

Anna Benson's call occurred two days after GM Omar Minaya spoke with Benson about trade reports that have been swirling like a snow squall.

"I understand the business and the rumors and Omar's desire to put together a winning team," Kris Benson told The Post by phone. "I hope I'm part of it.

"They had told me I would be a part of a [contending] team [when he signed last November]. It's kind of frustrating to be so immediately put into trade talks a year-and-a-half later.

"In Pittsburgh, I almost embraced the fact I could go to another team and start new. It's a little bit more frustrating when you enjoy where you're at."

Arizona is "nearing conclusion" of a deal for righty Javier Vazquez, GM Josh Byrnes told The Post, and the Mets spoke to the Diamondbacks as recently as yesterday.

Vazquez's arrival at Shea would probably mean Benson's imminent exit, but Minaya hadn't gone to his bosses about a deal as of early last night.

St. Louis, Detroit and Washington also have been linked to Vazquez. So have the White Sox, but a Chicago-based source said they have more pressing needs.

But every day a new rumor potentially impacts Benson, and reportedly team officials see his wife as a "distraction."

Anna Benson recently defended her desire to pose for Playboy, dissed new slugger Carlos Delgado for not standing for "God Bless America" and complained about the Mets' peddling of Benson so soon after locking him up long-term.

According to Benson, his wife was able to explain to Wilpon where the family was coming from, "Our desire to stay in New York � and if there's any possibility of staying, we definitely are all for it. The two of them just kind of worked it out," Benson said.

Although Benson characterized the conversation as positive, Wilpon couldn't guarantee anything, saying "Omar's in charge [to] get his team together."

During last week's winter meetings, Benson woke up early and checked out the latest trade speculation on the Internet. He admitted feeling "nervous," but that hasn't turned him sour. In fact, he's honoring his pledge to play the role of Santa Claus at the Mets' annual holiday party for children tomorrow afternoon at Shea.

As part of his contract, the community-oriented Benson pledged $1 million in charitable donations. So for many reasons, he wants to stay here.

Professionally, he's never been this excited about a season or been on a team this talented. But if his exit yields the Mets the final puzzle pieces to a championship, he said, "So be it."

"It's not going to be a fun moment when � if � that becomes true," he admitted of a trade.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I think that's the first time I've seen a photo of Anna where she looks more cute than slutty.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

That's why I included it. She's as cute as the puppy she's holding.

Benson is playing Santa Claus. Maybe we'll look back at this winter and laud the motivational genius of Omar.

Maybe we won't.

[seawolf17]

Looks like Vazquez isn't the answer either:

Javy Vazquez dealt to White Sox

[Elster88]

That's great news! To get rid of Benson to only fill his spot in the rotation with the more expensive Vazquez would've been the height of stupidity.

[Guest sharpie]

Good deal for the Chisox. A trade of former Yankees.

[smg58]

An interesting deal. While the notion of Javy as the fifth starter in the CWS rotation should make the rest of the AL uneasy, Vazquez has trouble giving up home runs in general and has struggled particularly against righties, and righty power hitters have a field day in the Sox park. The D-Backs get a good outfield prospect out of the deal, plus El Duque. The problem with Arizona is that they've manage to block all their best young talent with expensive, unmoveable contracts to veterans (Shawn Green until 2007??). It will be interesting to see how they clear up the logjam.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

Santa Claus and his trophy wife.

[Zvon]

I know I joke about this situation, but if Anna's call to Omar plays a part in us keeping Benson I'll personally thank her( it may have the opposite effect). I'd also advise her to focus more on her career and less on his, publically speaking.

But I really think Benson (healthy/for a full season) would be a fine pitcher for the Mets. He's so like Glavine that he has to be learning from the man.
He's got the arm.

I still hope he stays.