01:00 AM EST on Sunday, January 22, 2006

The Baltimore Orioles added much-needed experience to their starting rotation yesterday acquiring right-hander Kris Benson from the New York Mets for right-handers Jorge Julio and John Maine.

Benson went 10-8 with a 4.13 E.R.A. in 28 starts for New York last year. Despite spending all of April on the disabled list, he finished third on the Mets' staff in wins and starts.

"This gives us credibility in our starting rotation. We needed a veteran presence," Orioles first-year manager Sam Perlozzo said. "We don't need him to carry this staff; we just want him to pitch well. It's a great addition."

Perlozzo believes Benson has a decent shot of seizing the No. 1 spot in a rotation that tentatively includes Rodrigo Lopez, Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Bruce Chen.

"I think Kris certainly has that potential," Perlozzo said. "I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but I think he can be a major force in this rotation. Regardless, this gives us five days in a row that we can feel good about the guy we've got starting on the mound."

The 31-year-old Benson spent parts of five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to New York in July 2004. He missed the entire 2001 season after elbow ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow.

For his career, he is 57-61 with a 4.25 E.R.A. in 165 starts.

The Mets were looking to bolster their bullpen in front of new closer Billy Wagner. Julio had 83 saves from 2002-04.

"We were able to get a power arm on the back end of the bullpen and we were able to get a young player, Maine, who had pretty good numbers in the minor leagues," Minaya said. "It gives us some depth. Now Aaron Heilman can get an opportunity to start."

ROUNDUP

BRAVES CUT DEAL WITH PITCHER: Jorge Sosa agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million with the Atlanta Braves after the best season of his career. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by the Braves before last season in a seemingly minor deal with Tampa Bay. After starting out in the bullpen, he claimed a spot in rotation and went 13-3 with a 2.55 E.R.A. Sosa was the final Atlanta player still in arbitration. He had asked for $2.6 million, while the Braves countered with an offer of $1.8 million. The two sides met right in the middle, though Sosa also could earn an additional $50,000 if he pitches 205 innings. He pitched 134 innings last season.

TWINS, CUDDYER AGREE TO DEAL: The Minnesota Twins and utilityman Michael Cuddyer agreed to a $1.3-million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration. Cuddyer asked for $1.5 million and the Twins offered $1.1 million when the teams exchanged arbitration figures Tuesday. Cuddyer, who began last season as the regular third baseman, will be competing for time in right field this spring with Jason Kubel and Lew Ford. The 26-year-old Cuddyer hit .263 with 12 homers, 42 RBI and 25 doubles in 422 at-bats last year -- all career highs. Cuddyer can make $50,000 in performance bonuses: $10,000 for 500 plate appearances, $12,500 each for 525 and 550 plate appearances and $15,000 for 575 plate appearances. Minnesota has two players remaining in arbitration: right-hander Kyle Lohse and utilityman Nick Punto.