CLEARWATER, Fla. - The first time Joaquin Benoit stepped on a major-league mound, Ivan Rodriguez was his catcher. Rafael Palmeiro manned first and Alex Rodriguez played shortstop. The Dominican rookie pitcher allowed homers in his debut to Robert Fick, Randall Simon and Damion Easley. His ERA did not creep below 5.00 until his fourth season, but that is not what makes Benoit a marvel as he nears his 40th birthday.
"I guess," Benoit said, "I'm one of the lucky ones."
Luck may explain how Benoit, after major shoulder surgery in 2009, discovered that he could throw his fastball harder than ever.