Around the Majors: Mets re-sign Benson

1) The Mets re-signed free agent P Kris Benson to a 3 year, $22.5 million contract, with an option for 2008.

After 4.70 ERA/-5 RSAA and 4.97 ERA/-9 RSAA seasons, Benson had a 4.31 ERA/-3 RSAA in 31 starts (first 20 with the Pirates). He has a 4.28 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.42, and 11 RSAA in 137 games.

2) The Cubs re-signed free agent P Glendon Rusch to a 2 year, $5 million contract.

After 4.70 ERA/-17 RSAA and 6.542 ERA/-28 RSAA seasons, Rusch had a 3.47 ERA/16 RSAA in 32 games (16 starts). He has a 4.93 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.42, and -68 RSAA in 225 games. The only other time that Rusch had a positive RSAA in his 8 year career was 7 RSAA, with the 2000 Mets.

3) The Yankees are denying that they’ve made any offers to Pedro Martinez.

4) According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Cubs are interested in Brewers P Dan Kolb.

5) The Redsox added SS Hanley Ramirez, C Kelly Shoppach and Ps Juan Cedeno, Manny Delcarmen, Luis Mendoza, Anibal Sanchez and Chris Smith to the 40 man roster.

6) Ruben Mateo signed a contract to play in Korea next year.

After -2 RCAA/.714 OPS and -12 RCAA/.619 OPS seasons, Mateo had a .357 SLG, .270 OBA, .627 OPS, -7 RCAA in 51 games with the Pirates and Royals. He has a .689 career OPS, compared to his league average of .777, and -33 RCAA in 295 games.

7) The Angels sold utilityman Adam Riggs to the Yakult Swallows.

Riggs has -8 RCAA/.636 OPS in 61 career games, including a .278 SLG, .216 OBA, .494 OPS, -4 RCAA in 16 games in 2004.

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