With Kris Benson possibly making his final start for the Pirates tonight, this promises to be a dynamic week leading up to the trading deadline at 4 p.m. Saturday.

"Things can change with one phone call at any hour of the day," general manager Dave Littlefield said yesterday. "All you need is someone calling back and saying I'll take your offer."

Littlefield still won't confirm that Benson will be dealt, but other sources have said it's a certainty that he will be dealt to one of six or so potential suitors before the weekend is over. For his part, Littlefield won't be making the trip to Milwaukee this weekend as he handles trade negotiations.

Calls from other teams will be coming in this week, as well as scouting reports from the field as the Pirates look at what's being offered for Benson, a former No. 1 draft pick.

One major-league official said the Pirates are prepared to accept one deal already on the table for Benson, but they're waiting to see if they can get more from someone else. That deal will not involve third baseman Ty Wigginton of the Mets or minor-league first baseman Ryan Howard of the Phillies because the Pirates don't think either player would provide enough return. That means the final deal hasn't been struck yet. The Pirates are open to adding another player with Benson to get what they want.

"There's a lot more riding on this than a rotisserie league [trade]," Littlefield said. "We have our antennae out there."

The work involved in accepting a deal includes considerations given to money, medical reports, character and scouting reports.

It was learned that the Angels have entered the bidding by offering first baseman Casey Kotchman, 21, a former No. 1 pick considered a fast mover through the minor leagues, but a player who has been injury-prone. The Pirates are said to be leery of any player with a history of injuries.

Kotchman played at Class A last year. But he was called up by the Angels this season when Darin Erstad was on the disabled list. He hit .218 with 14 RBIs in 28 major-league games. Also this season, he hit .368 with three homers and 18 RBIs at Class AA Arkansas and .293 with two homers and 16 RBIs at Class AAA Salt Lake.

Contenders have to weigh how much they're willing to ante up for a pitcher who can become a free agent after the season. The Pirates have not granted permission to any team to talk about a possible extension with Benson because a future contract might snag current trade talks.