Ponson ready to make pitch for big-league job
Ducks pitcher Sidney Ponson throws in the second inning of a 6-1 spring training win over Newark. Ponson pitched four scoreless innings. (April 17, 2010) Credit: Photo by Kathy Kmonicek
Sidney Ponson waited for a call that never came.
When no major league teams offered him a contract after he went 1-7 with a 7.36 ERA for the Kansas City Royals last season, Ponson found himself unemployed during spring training for the first time since he signed with the Orioles in 1993.
Such is the life of a pitcher in the twilight of his career waging an internal battle between his body's declining ability and his mind's desire to continue playing.
When teams stop pursuing the player, the player starts pursuing the teams. He wasn't looking for work long after the Ducks learned of his availability.
"My agent sent an e-mail to the [Atlantic League] and the Ducks called two days later and here I am," Ponson said Wednesday at Ducks media day.
When Ponson, 33, tosses the first pitch against Lancaster Thursday night at Suffolk County Sports Park, it will mark the start of the 2010 Ducks season and the beginning of Ponson's audition for major league teams.
The once highly-touted Oriole won 91 games in 12 major league seasons and enjoyed his best year in 2003 when he went 17-12 with a 3.75 ERA for the Orioles and Giants. Ponson says teams may have been hesitant to take a chance on him because of his struggles last season and the mistakes he has made, including being charged with driving under the influence in January of 2005 and an arrest for the same offense seven months later.
The Ducks provide Ponson a second chance as well as a forum to showcase his ability. In return, they receive an ace and the big-name attraction they desire. Although his stay may be brief, considering his major league experience.
"What I've seen so far, his attitude and the way he goes about his business, he won't be here too long," Ducks manager Dave LaPoint said. "I won't be surprised if in four or five starts he's out of here."
Ponson has played for seven major league teams, including two stints with the Yankees in 2006 and 2008. He cherishes the time he spent in the Bronx and enjoyed sharing a clubhouse with the likes of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
"Even though they are big superstars, they are just normal guys like us."
It's the league of superstars where Ponson hopes to return. He nearly gave up baseball after his phone went silent last winter, but a few quality starts for the Ducks could make it ring once again.
"You make the best of the situation you are in," Ponson said. "Right now I play for the Ducks and my job is to win games here. If I do what I need to do, everything will fall into place."
Then he might finally receive the call he has been waiting for.
Notes & quotes: The Ducks will begin the season without Atlantic League MVP Ray Navarrete, who will miss three to four weeks after suffering an injury to his heel in the team's final spring training game. Robinson Cancel will be out indefinitely while nursing an elbow injury.
