Benson expects swap by Saturday

The Pirates starter is on the trading block.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Kris Benson left the Pittsburgh Pirates' clubhouse for perhaps the last time Thursday, convinced he will be traded by Saturday but still not certain which uniform he will be wearing next.
"I know it's going to happen, it's just a matter of when and where," Benson said. "Right now, the team isn't telling me anything."
The Twins have been the most aggressive team in pursuing Benson, who could be the most prized starting pitcher available before Saturday's deadline if Arizona doesn't deal Randy Johnson to the Yankees.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield's patience could be a sign he is waiting to see if the Diamondbacks move Johnson to the Yankees, which, in turn, might pressure other AL contenders to add pitching as well.
Littlefield did not accompany the Pirates on their weekend trip to Milwaukee following a 3-2 loss Thursday afternoon to Atlanta, but did meet afterward behind closed doors with manager Lloyd McClendon.
Trying to get more
At the same time, Littlefield might be hoping he can get more for Benson should Johnson not be traded and Benson is still available as the Saturday 4 p.m. deadline approaches.
Littlefield has suggested the Pirates might keep Benson (8-8, 4.22 ERA), but Benson dismissed that by saying the team has made no effort to re-sign him. The Pirates would get nothing for him if he signs with another team as a free agent during the offseason.
Despite Benson's recent success -- he has pitched into the seventh inning in all but one of his last dozen starts -- some teams may be reluctant to deal away prospects for a pitcher with no prior pennant race experience.
The Pirates have had a losing record every season since drafting Benson in 1996, and the right-hander is below .500 (43-49) for his career.
Yankees not interested
The Yankees, for one, appear to have little interest in Benson, whose toughness and competitiveness were questioned by teammates until this season.
"It definitely would be something new to me," Benson said of pitching in a pennant race. "There's only one way to find out, and I would love to have the chance."
One hangup to completing a trade has been the Twins' refusal to part with top outfield prospect Jason Kubel in any trade. The Mets, Phillies, Angels and even the Braves also have been mentioned, but none appear to have as many prospects to deal as Minnesota.
Mets left-hander Scott Kazmir (2-1, 1.73 at Double-A Binghamton) also interests the Pirates, though there is no indication they would part with him in any Benson trade. The Pirates are more interested in acquiring position players than pitchers.
"Right now, I don't know what to think," Benson said.
Benson is scheduled to start Saturday night in Milwaukee, but that would be four hours after the deadline.
If Benson is dealt, right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (2-7, 6.69 ERA) will get his first start since he beat the Astros 7-2 on June 23.