Van Benschoten Pitches in Minors

by Charlie Wilmoth on Aug 9, 2006 5:09 AM EDT in News

John Van Benschoten pitched for the Pirates´ rookie league affiliate in Bradenton yesterday. His next start will be for Altoona.

Congratulations to Van Benschoten for making it so far down the road back from injury. But this isn´t big news. He´s unlikely to pitch for the Pirates any time soon, if he ever does. He will be 27 (!) next season, and he has never pitched particularly well above Class AA (though he had a decent stretch at AAA in 2004 after a rough start, if memory serves). If the Pirates actually had many prospects to protect on the 40 man roster this offseason, he´d probably be gone.

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Single-A, Double-A

Van Benschoten pitched really well at the above levels. He started 5-0 for Altoona, but then ran into trouble. I saw the first playoff game ever at Altoona. Van Benschoten started and gave up 7 or so earned runs in the first two innings and the Curve lost. The Pirates have always thought V.B.'s upside was greater as a pitcher because he never had as much experience as another hurler the same age. I always thought he should have been a position player, along with the rest of MLB front offices. If his shoulders are already bad, what assurances are there that they don't get hurt again? First base requires a lot less arm strain. At this point, I'd be surprised if V.B. has more than a middle-innings relief pitcher career. Why not admit a mistake, try a new path and at least see if he can still hit? I have never been impressed with V.B.'s pitching ability, though I wish him success and health.

by JimBibbySweat on Aug 10, 2006 5:38 PM EDT reply actions