Benson or Lohse?

The Phillies watched Kris Benson pitch again yesterday and are still considering adding him to their stable of pitchers. The team also continues to stay in touch with Kyle Lohse. Although both options have been downplayed to the press, many close to the team assume that the Phillies will sign one of these pitchers. Which is the better option? Benson will sign for one season while Lohse will command more money and three years. Their career stats are similar but Lohse is four years younger and less injury prone. Lohse has already pitched in Citizens Bank Park and had success.

The bigger picture is this, the Phillies have Jamie Moyer as their number 5 pitcher. After this season he will probably retire and need to be replaced. Would Kyle Lohse not be a solid number 5 pitcher to replace Moyer? Look around the majors and compare Lohse to other teams number 5 pitchers and you will find him to be very good. The Phillies will need to then add a number 3 or 4 pitcher after this year but would have 1 (Hamels), 2 (Myers), 4 (Kendrick), and 5 (Lohse) filled nicely.

Lohse may cost a little more and require a longer commitment, but he will fill a need and solidify the back end of the Phillies rotation. He fits in with the team, seems to work well with Rich Dubee, and can be counted on to pitch 175 innings while keeping the team in the games he starts. The Phillies may have competition for Lohse's services now since Curt Schilling is having shoulder issues and are looking at Lohse as a possible replacement. The Phillies need to make a decision and a signing soon so they can be sure to get the pitcher they want. Lohse may be that better pick.