Petey tonight, Benson on the way?

Victor Zambrano, he of the 5.81 ERA, is slated to pitch Thursday against the Phillies. But there are whispers that Kris Benson will bump Zambrano from his start and make his 2005 debut in the Thursday afternoon game. Benson has been on the DL all year with a strained pectoral muscle. Benson was due to make his second minor league rehab start in Norfolk on Thursday, but Mets brass most likely is wondering what the difference is between throwing 5 innings in Norfolk, or 5 innings at Shea Stadium.

More importantly, Mets brass has to be considering this: Who would they rather have on the hill...Kris Benson coming off injury, or a healthy Victor Zambrano. If the Mets choose Benson, then does that mean Zambrano works out his issues out of the Mets' pen? Now I know the bullpen needs help but putting Zambrano in the bullpen is like throwing a boulder at a drowning man.

Now if the Mets choose Zambrano...WHY?????

Tonight, Pedro Martinez (2-1, 2.75) vs. former Yankee Jon Leiber (4-1, 3.03).