Player Profiles
Look for Armando Benitez Memorabilia:Barnes & Noble | Amazon.com | eBay.com |
Armando Benitez
Armando Benitez in the News
Astros sign former All-Star Benitez to minor league deal: The Astros signed 36-year-old reliever Armando Benitez to a minor league deal and assigned him to Class AAA Round Rock.
Cover boy hit for a loss / Mets hurt Lincecum with long ball: Tim Lincecum has to hope his next New York experience is better than his first two. Last year at Shea Stadium, he started the game that ended with Armando Benitez's two-balk meltdown in the 12th inning. On Tuesday night, Lincecum took his second loss of the...
BASEBALL NOTES: Selig got $14.5 mil in 2006:
Commissioner Bud Selig earned about $14.5 million in the fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2006, roughly the same as the previous year, according to Major League Baseball's tax return, released Tuesday.
BrieflyDodgers:Chan Ho Park, trying to win a job as the No. 5 starter, has pitched seven shutout innings, including three perfect innings Monday. Park is competing with another former Ranger, Esteban Loaiza, who has five shutout innings in his past two starts. ... Nomar Garciaparra (right wrist) and Mark Sweeney (left knee) were scratched from the upcoming trip to China.Astros:CF Michael Bourn, who had missed two games because of upper back spasms, went 2-for-4 with a homer.... Brandon Backe, competing for a spot in the rotation, pitched four scoreless innings, allowing one hit.Mets:Pedro Martinez had a simulated game (59 pitches, hit 87 mph) and is scheduled to make his first start Sunday.Red Sox:Josh Beckett, who led the majors with 20 wins last year, hasn't pitched this spring, sidelined by a back injury, and probably won't travel to Japan for Boston's first two regular-seasons games.Brewers:Yovani Gallardo from Fort Worth Trimble Tech is expected to pitch a simulated game today as he recovers from left knee surgery.Mariners:Ichiro Suzuki is 0-for-21, the most at-bats without a hit for any player this spring.Yankees:LF Johnny Damon, who fouled a ball off his right foot Monday, underwent X-rays and an MRI, which were negative. He is listed as day-to-day.Tigers:Rick Porcello, last year's No. 1 pick, has a 1.59 ERA in three spring outings.Blue Jays:Toronto signed relief pitcher Armando Benitez, 35, to a minor-league contract.... Closer B.J. Ryan threw a simulated game and is scheduled to make his first spring appearance Friday.Cardinals:St. Louis'rotation took another hit when Joel Pineiro was sidelined a few more days by shoulder discomfort. St. Louis'only sure starters to start the season are Adam Wainwright and Braden Looper. Matt Clement and Mark Mulder are coming back from shoulder surgery; Clement has been slow to return, and Mulder isn't expected until May.Jays bring in Benitez for bullpen depth: The Jays already have capable pitchers for their closer role, but they signed Armando Benitez to a Minor League deal on Tuesday, adding another arm to the mix for an already crowded bullpen race.
Boone formally files for free agency: The formalities continue as Aaron Boone became the second Marlins player in two days to formally file for free agency. The 34-year-old infielder is one of three Marlins eligible to file for free agency. On Monday, reliever Armando Benitez made himself eligible for free agency on the first day of fling.
Benitez formally chooses free agency: Armando Benitez formally filed for free agency, a move that was expected. The veteran reliever, who turns 35 on Nov. 3, can exclusively negotiate with the Marlins until Nov. 12.
Cardinals get a gift: Two Marlins errors with two outs in the eighth inning allowed the Cardinals enough room to rally and then rout reliever Armando Benitez in a 5-2 victory at Busch Stadium.
Willis ends skid, Marlins rout Arizona (AP):
Florida Marlins pitcher Armando Benitez, left, of the Dominican Republic and catcher Matt Treanor congratulate each other after the Marlins defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 14-5 in a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. " align="left" border="0">
Mired in the longest winless streak of his career, Dontrelle Willis was desperate for run support. So the Florida Marlins scored 14 times Tuesday night. Willis earned his first win since May 29, striking out 11 in seven innings and letting the Marlins' bats do the rest in a 14-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
FOUR STRAIGHT: First prize for the 43,001 fans would have been Barry Bonds' 755th home run, second prize an embarrassing and painful mound implosion by Armando Benitez. The faithful had to settle for third prize, and that was pretty special, too. The Giants, down 3-2...
Bullpen on a short leash / 2 relievers get hook in 9th: In Bruce Bochy's first season as Giants manager, he has made only two strong statements, one by words, one by deed. In the fiery aftermath of the Armando Benitez trade, Bochy publicly challenged his players to get their bodies in better shape so they...
There's no blaming Messenger from team: The Giants did not get "nothing" for Armando Benitez. They got a potential closer candidate. Randy Messenger, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Reno native who came to San Francisco in the deal, has earned greater responsibility in the bullpen based on his...
GIANTS NOTEBOOK / No blaming Messenger: The Giants did not get "nothing" for Armando Benitez. They got a potential closer candidate. Randy Messenger, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Reno native who came to San Francisco in the deal, has earned greater responsibility in the bullpen based on his...
Notes: Benitez accepts new role: Experience is what the Marlins wanted out of Armando Benitez, and the veteran reliever has thus far provided it on the field and in the clubhouse. Benitez has accepted an eighth-inning setup role to closer Kevin Gregg, and remains an option to inherit that position should a change be necessary.
Death by balks is strange way to go: In his first 13 seasons as a major leaguer, Armando Benitez faced nearly 3,000 batters, spanning nearly 700 innings. In that time, he committed just two balks -- one in 1995 and the other in 2003. Then, last Tuesday night, in a space of three batters,...
The Fringe has become unhinged: This is a banner year for The Lunatic Fringe. Da Fringe celebrated one of its finest moments last week when the Giants, under pressure from fans (and from some Giants), donated Armando Benitez to the Salvation Army. Last offseason, when the...
Bats get healthy, Morris sharp in rout / Bochy backs GM's remarks on the need to play through pain: The Armando Benitez trade was supposed to extinguish a fire. Instead, it promises to make things hotter. General manager Brian Sabean, who Thursday night called Benitez a "whipping boy" for the Giants' failures, also called out the offense, not just...
Hennessey ready to take shot at closing: Manager Bruce Bochy seemed drained by the Armando Benitez trade and the Giants' 4-2 loss Thursday night, yet he still had a long night of work ahead. He said he and his staff would use the bus ride to Philadelphia to look at tapes of new reliever Randy...
SENT PACKING / Giants find a taker for shaky closer: And so ends the Armando Benitez Era. We mention this as quietly as possible so as not to negatively impact your hangovers. The scorched-earth tactical and image problem that was Benitez is now gone, with the tip-off being Brian Sabean's pronouncement...
GM Sabean, teammate say fans played role in reliever's demise: - There was one unusual sight in the Giants' clubhouse after their 4-2 loss to the Mets on Thursday night. As 24 players scurried to dress for the two-hour bus ride to Philadelphia, Armando Benitez's locker was abandoned, his chair folded and stored....
MLB Notebook: Giants trade Benitez to Marlins for reliever: The San Francisco Giants traded struggling closer Armando Benitez to the Florida Marlins for reliever Randy Messenger last night.[Read this article]
Giants agree to trade Benitez to Marlins: The San Francisco Giants agreed to trade struggling closer Armando Benitez to the Florida Marlins for reliever Randy Messenger on Thursday night.
Bochy defends Benitez, not giving up on him: The Armando Benitez situation has become close to untenable. Before Wednesday night's game, manager Bruce Bochy said Benitez was not available because of swelling in his right knee. Had Bochy stood in Union Square and made that announcement, the cheers would...
Mets' Delgado makes his point in 12th vs. Giants: Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game moments after Jose Reyes provoked excitable reliever Armando Benitez to balk ...
Benitez Balks, Delgado Homers, Mets Win: NEW YORK (AP) -- Jose Reyes juked, bluffed and faked a mad dash, anything to rattle Armando Benitez. Surprisingly, it paid off - twice. Moments after Reyes provoked the excitable reliever into his second balk of the 12th inning, Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game to lift the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 Tuesday night....
Mets rattle Giants, then roll: NEW YORK - Moments after baserunning pest Jose Reyes provoked reliever Armando Benitez into his second balk of the 12th inning, Carlos Delgado's second homer of the game to lift the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 Tuesday night. "I just tried to put some pressure on him," Reyes said, "and it worked." With the ballpark still buzzing after Reyes trotted home with the tying run, Delgado's shot gave the Mets their 15th come-from-behind victory. "We're good at it," Delgado said. After Omar Vizquel barely beat Delgado's throw home to put San Francisco ahead 4-3 in the top of
NL: Mets rally stuffs Giants in a balks: Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game moments after Jose Reyes provoked excitable reliever Armando Benitez to balk home the tying run in the 12th inning, and the Mets startled the San Francisco...
BALK, BALK, WAY BACK / Benitez's gaffes turn win to loss: With a one-run lead in the 12th inning, the Giants asked Armando Benitez to save what would have been their best win of the season, and he most definitely did not do his job. He walked Mets leadoff hitter Jose Reyes, which is like handing two pairs of $...
NL: Delgado, Mets have last laugh on Giants: NEW YORK— Jose Reyes juked, bluffed and faked a mad dash. Anything to rattle Armando Benitez. Surprisingly, it paid off— twice. Moments after Reyes provoked the excitable reliever into his second balk of the 12th inning, Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game to lift the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Mets rally in 12th as Benitez melts down (AP):
New York Mets' Jose Reyes, top, celebrates as he crosses the plate to tie the score in the 12th inning with Carlos Delgado waiting to bat against the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball action Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at Shea Stadium in New York. Reyes scored from third on a balk by Armando Benitez. Delgado then hit a solo home run for the game winning hit. The Mets won 5-4." align="left" border="0">
Jose Reyes juked, bluffed and faked a mad dash, anything to rattle Armando Benitez. Surprisingly, it paid off -- twice. Moments after Reyes provoked the excitable reliever into his second balk of the 12th inning, Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game to lift the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 Tuesday night.
To feel the love, Benitez must be picture-perfect: Armando Benitez walked out of the dugout to do his turn around the Photo Day circle, and was booed by the people wielding the cameras. It wasn't a universal boo, not like Friday night. There were some cheers as well from the true believers who worship...
Mets wrap up trip with comeback victory: The Mets offense, reduced to little more than two home run swings through eight innings, produced the decisive rally in a 5-3 victory in the ninth inning against Armando Benitez.
Jeers to cheers: Feliz shows patience at plate: Pedro Feliz and a reporter were chatting before a recent game when the subject came to Armando Benitez. "What happened to the boos?" Feliz asked. When the reporter said they went away with the blown saves, Feliz said, "See? That's why I can't listen to what...
GIANTS NOTEBOOK / Boos to cheers: Feliz shows patience at plate: Pedro Feliz and a reporter were chatting before a recent game when the subject came to Armando Benitez. "What happened to the boos?" Feliz asked. When the reporter said they went away with the blown saves, Feliz said, "See? That's why I can't listen to what...
Durham helps Giants win eighth straight (AP):
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, left, congratulates pitcher Armando Benitez after the Giants' 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a baseball game Thursday, April 26, 2007, in Los Angeles. Benitez earned a save, his seventh of the season. " align="left" border="0">
Things sure have turned around since the San Francisco Giants opened the season by losing seven of nine, including a sweep by the Dodgers. The Giants returned the favor Thursday night, sweeping Los Angeles with a 5-4 victory that was their season-high eighth in a row. Ray Durham doubled home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning after Barry Bonds hit into a double play with runners on the corners.
Benitez getting closer to being solid closer: Here is a telling still frame from the Hollywood epic titled, "The Rehabilitation of a Fallen Closer." On Friday night, Giants manager Bruce Bochy summoned Armando Benitez to save a 4-2 lead over Arizona in the ninth inning. Benitez immediately walked...
Late Thursday baseball recaps: LATE THURSDAY NIGHT game recap San Francisco 5, San Diego 3: Matt Morris pitched six impressive innings, and Ray Durham drove in two key runs with a base-loaded single in the fifth for the Giants in San Francisco. Armando Benitez got the final out for the save, but not before walking the first hitter he faced on four pitches and surrendering a two-run bloop single to Josh Bard. The Padres had tied it in the top of the fifth when pitcher Clay Hensley hit a two-out single that scored Khalil Greene.
Season's 1st win a big relief / Bullpen saves it for Morris: The Giants' first win of the season, and Bruce Bochy's first as their manager, seemed to be in the bag. Then it seemed to be on the verge of disintegrating. Only after Armando Benitez made Mike Cameron hit a sky-high pop fly to Ray Durham could everyone...
Season's 1st win a big relief / Bullpen saves win for Morris: The Giants' first win of the season, and Bruce Bochy's first as their manager, seemed to be in the bag. Then it seemed to be on the verge of disintegrating. Only after Armando Benitez made Mike Cameron hit a sky-high pop fly to Ray Durham could everyone...
Wilson sent out -- Benitez the man: Armando Benitez and Brian Wilson. Those were the options mentioned the most for the closer's role when the Giants began spring training. With the season opener two days away, the candidates are heading in different directions -- Wilson to Triple-A...
Giants' Benitez earns closer job to start season: San Francisco optioned right-handers Brian Wilson -- a candidate for the closer job heading into spring training -- and Scott Munter to Triple-A Fresno. The moves mean Armando Benitez will be the Giants closer to start the season.
Bullpen holds its own in tie with A's: The Giants bullpen showed improvement, with Jonathan Sanchez, Kevin Correia, Vinnie Chulk, Jack Taschner, Brad Hennessey and Armando Benitez holding the A's scoreless in Friday's 2-2 tie.
Notes: Benitez gets warm reception: Thursday was a night to remember for both Barry Zito -- who was superb pitching in his new ballpark -- and Armando Benitez, who heard nothing but cheers from the home fans, who historically have not held back their boos when it comes to the closer.
Vilified or forgiven, Benitez still will be booed: If you fancy yourself the forgiving type, you cannot in good conscience boo Armando Benitez when he is introduced Tuesday. He has atoned as best he can for his string of laughable outings and unconscionable behaviors in 2006 by having a superb spring...
Benitez ready to face the heat / He expects boos, despite an outstanding spring: One potential deal for Armando Benitez evaporated Monday when the Florida Marlins acquired Arizona reliever Jorge Julio to be their closer. The Giants were leaning heavily toward keeping Benitez anyway, and if he can pitch in San Francisco like he has in the...
Notes: Benitez continues fine form: With a potential trade suitor off the market, Armando Benitez turned in another stellar outing Monday and further reaffirmed the Giants' newfound faith in their closer."I haven't seen him throw this well since he closed the first game in 2005,"GM Brian Sabean said.
Notes: Benitez prepared for extra work: On Thursday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he'd consider bringing in closer Armando Benitez as early as the eighth inning to preserve a lead, and the right-hander said he would be up for that challenge."If he needs me, I'll do it,"said Benitez.
Notes: Benitez, Julio eyed in deal: Pursuing trade options for a closer remains a real possibility for the Marlins. Sources continue to say the team has interest in veterans Armando Benitez and Jorge Julio. Of the two, Benitez is regarded as the deal that could most likely get done.
Bonds hits another homer, Benitez looking good: Barry Bonds is in a groove at the plate and Armando Benitez looks healthy on the mound. No wonder the San Francisco Giants are starting to get excited about the season.Bonds hit his fourth home run of...
Benitez may yet save the day: One cannot assume the Giants will trade Armando Benitez to the first team willing to take him. They are not exactly flush with experienced late relief. Despite Benitez's bad history with the Giants, they actually might need him to close games, with Brian...
Bochy comfortable with Benitez closing: His physical maladies seemingly behind him, Armando Benitez looks and feels strong this spring. After the veteran's third scoreless Cactus League appearance, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he plans to open the season with Benitez as his closer.
Bonds Homers, Benitez Throws Strikes: Barry Bonds is in a groove at the plate and Armando Benitez looks healthy on the mound. No wonder the San Francisco Giants are starting to get excited about the season....
Athletics 7, Giants 4: Armando Benitez threw another scoreless inning as he works his way back from knee injuries and the San Francisco Giants lost 7-4 to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. With several scouts again on hand to see whether Benitez can still be an...
Benitez has scoreless inning in spring debut: If the Giants' purpose is to trade Armando Benitez before Opening Day, they need him to keep taking the mound. It's tough to deal a guy out of the trainer's room. Benitez, dogged by injuries and ineffectiveness the past two years, tossed a scoreless...
Notes: Giants' Benitez back on mound: Giants reliever Armando Benitez pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday against the Mariners, allowing a hit and striking out a hitter. It's the start of a long road back for the closer, who may or may not be in a Giants uniform when the season begins.
Giants (ss) 8, Mariners (ss) 3: Armando Benitez's legs feel healthier this spring than they did at any time in his first two years with the San Francisco Giants. Now he's out to prove his performance will be better, too. Benitez pitched a scoreless inning in his first outing of...
Benitez taking big steps back: Armando Benitez's legs feel healthier this spring than they did at any time in his first two years with the San Francisco Giants. Now he's out to prove his performance will be better, too.Benitez pitched a scoreless inning in his first outing of spring training, helping the Giants beat the Seattle Mariners 8-3 in a split-squad game Sunday. Barry Bonds went 0-for-2 as the designated hitter after homering the previous two days.
Benitez set to make spring training debut: Armando Benitez is ready to step back on the mound and show that he can be the San Francisco Giants' closer when the season starts next month.Benitez is slated to make his first appearance of spring training Sunday in a split-squad game against the Seattle Mariners as he works his way back from knee injuries that cut short his 2006 season. "I have to be looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've pitched," Benitez said Saturday. "I feel very good.
Benitez set for spring debut with Giants (AP): Armando Benitez is ready to step back on the mound and show that he can be the San Francisco Giants' closer when the season starts next month. Benitez is slated to make his first appearance of spring training Sunday in a split-squad game against the Seattle Mariners as he works his way back from knee injuries that cut short his 2006 season.
Giants working to sort out bullpen: One of the biggest issues facing the Giants this spring is the composition of their bullpen. Aside from Steve Kline and Armando Benitez (if he's not traded), every spot is up for grabs, and that's just the way relievers like Jack Taschner and Vinnie Chulk like it.
Notes: Illness slowly leaving camp: The flu bug hit the Giants hard, but even though most players are getting over it, the sickness has hampered the team's preparation, most notably that of Armando Benitez. Luckily, there's still plenty of time for Benitez and others to get back on track.
Benitez takes first step in his comeback: Armando Benitez threw to hitters for the first time in 172 days Wednesday. Little was made of the event. Manager Bruce Bochy did not even watch, choosing instead to acquaint himself with some prospects on the back field at Scottsdale Stadium. It was,...
Saying he's in top form, Benitez wants to stay: Armando Benitez spent his Valentine's Day caressing a training table as he got treatment on his knee. He also had a date with a bullpen mound at Scottsdale Stadium and a dalliance with the fitness equipment in the weight room. For all the criticisms...
Benitez feels healthier than previous two springs: Armando Benitez expects nothing less than to be San Francisco's closer this season _ as long as he's healthy. The Giants want to evaluate him this spring before handing him back his old job. Benitez finished last season on the 60-day disabled...
Benitez hopes to remain Giants closer (AP): Armando Benitez expects nothing less than to be San Francisco's closer this season -- as long as he's healthy. The Giants want to evaluate him this spring before handing him back his old job. Benitez finished last season on the 60-day disabled list with two arthritic knees, the right one so painful he could hardly put pressure on it.
Benitez wants to show he still has it: After two frustrating seasons, Giants closer Armando Benitez says he's lighter and healthier and wants to show fans that he still can bring it on the mound. Benitez was in camp Monday, two days before Giants pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report.
Benitez reports with 'great' attitude and some extra pounds: Six days before the Giants' first official workout of spring training, Armando Benitez will throw off a mound today for the first time since he left the team in September because of complications from an arthritic right knee. Benitez has been in...
GIANTS NOTEBOOK / Benitez trade talk stalling in Florida / Balky knee keeping teams at bay: Trade talks aimed at sending Armando Benitez to the Florida Marlins have hit a significant snag, and it appears the much-maligned closer will join the rest of the Giants' pitchers when they report to spring training in February. That does not mean...
Armando Benitez in the Blog Pen
Jim Gerard: July 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 31: Enter Letty:: April 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 20: Viva La Revolucion!:
Jim Gerard: March 17, 2008 - DFA, chapter 18 -The Creative Process:
: March 12, 2008 - My Transaction History, part 2:
Richard Lally: November 1, 2007 - List of 2007 Major League Free Agents - Part 3: Relievers and Starters:
John Shiffert: June 27, 2007 - The Winless Pitcher Syndrome:
Peter Doyle: June 26, 2007 - Roger Clemens, The Best Righty?:
Richard Lally: June 18, 2007 - Richard Lally Spends Five Minutes With...Eddie Joost:
Peter Doyle: May 30, 2007 - Those Who Ignore History...:
: May 29, 2007 - :
: May 7, 2007 - : THE NATURAL, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
Armando Benitez in Bios
