The Baltimore Orioles acquired pitcher Kris Benson from the New York Mets on Saturday in exchange for relievers Jorge Julio and John Maine. Benson, the 1st overall selection in 1996, pitched for a 10-8 record along with 95 strikeouts in 174 1/3 innings with the Mets last season. The 31-year-old righty has compiled 57-61 record and a 4.25 ERA in six years of Major League service. Baltimore will be Benson?s third big league club in as many seasons. Julio, 26, pitched 58 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings along with a 5.90 earned run average with Baltimore in 2005. While Maine, 24, compiled a 2-3 record with a 6.30 ERA with the Orioles last season. Breaking Down The Deal Moving to Baltimore will be a nice change of pace for Kris Benson. The former Met (and Pittsburgh Pirate) still features a low-90s fastball along with a good slider and changeup. While switching to the American League has traditionally hurt NL pitchers, pitching at Camden Yards will help Benson. Jorge Julio has shown flashes of brilliance during his five year career. He throws a hard fastball (mid 90s) and overpowering slider. Julio was used as the Orioles closer for three straight seasons. The flamethrower was nasty in 2002 when he saved 25 and posted a 1.98 ERA. The problems with the young reliever have been his lack of command and rushed delivery ? relegating him to the setup role. John Maine, 24, still has nice potential and could become a mid-late inning reliever. The additions of Julio and Maine could potentially pay nice dividends for the Mets; however, I have to give the Orioles the edge in this deal. Benson should pitch well for the Orioles in Camden Yards. Baltimore pitching coach Leo Mazzone has a knack for helping struggling pitchers realize their potential. Under his tutelage, the Benson will likely regain the confidence needed to perform consistently. I forecast 12-15 wins from Kris Benson in 2006. Edge: Baltimore Orioles Do you have a question, concern, or comment? ? Feel free to email me at [email protected]