Andy Benes

One of the most surprising stories of 2002, Benes got shelled in April (10.80 ERA), retired on April 18, unretired on April 20, was sidelined until July with an arthritic right knee, then returned to post ERAs of 2.50 in July, 1.72 in August and 1.67 in September. He finished the season with a 2.78 ERA despite a pedestrian 64/51 K/BB ratio and led the major leagues with a 1.86 ERA after the All-Star break. When the Cardinals declined their $6 million option on him (probably wisely), Benes retired again. Benes is still just 35 and could come out of retirement and wind up somewhere, but we can’t explain last season’s amazing run. Even if Benes does return, we certainly don’t expect him to repeat it.