Saga of Benson and wife keeps becoming stranger

By MARC TOPKIN
Published April 6, 2006

---

BALTIMORE - Kris Benson is scheduled to make his Orioles debut against the Rays tonight, but it's not his curves that people are talking about.

Benson's offseason trade - like much else he does - has been overshadowed by the, um, high visibility of his wife, Anna, a model, wannabe actor, pro poker player (nickname: Gold Digger) and former stripper known for provocative poses, flamboyant comments and a risque Web site (annabenson.net). Anna Benson's quest for attention was regular tabloid fodder when Kris was with the Mets, and she apparently hoped to be a similar sensation in Charm City, promising soon after the trade was announced that the couple would "christen" the Camden Yards parking lot.

Having reportedly considered an offer from Playboy, she is on the cover of this month's FHM magazine, and essentially uncovered inside, where she also reveals way too information about the most personal parts of their relationship.

Most recently, the Bensons were in the news when Anna on Friday filed for divorce, claiming their seven-year marriage was "irretrievably broken," then again Tuesday when she withdrew the petition.

Benson uncharacteristically declined to talk to reporters before Wednesday's game, but his Oriole mates said they don't expect the situation to affect him.

"I'm not worried about it," manager Sam Perlozzo said.

"We haven't had an inkling of it being a distraction," first baseman Kevin Millar said.