Quick Hits - Sidney Ponson, O's News and MLB Stuffage...

Yesterday, the O's got walloped 16-2 and an old friend of ours, Sidney Ponson threw four good innings of solid pitching.

However, he took a few moments to take some licks against the Baltimore Orioles. If you or may not know, Sidney Ponson's contract got voided by the Orioles in 2005 after he was involved in quite a few incidents off the field, including a DUI and assaulting a judge in his native Aruba. As well, there were concerns about his conditioning and work ethic in general.

As a result, he's been the target of fans ire, and in turn, they have no problem expressing themselves. He's was often booed in Baltimore and the victim of name-calling in this time there.

According to the Sun's Dan Connolly, this is what he said about Orioles fans:

"They booed me when I was playing there. It doesn't bother me. Baltimore fans have no clue what baseball is all about," Ponson said. "The old Baltimore fans over on 33rd Street [Memorial Stadium], that's true baseball fans. "[The Camden Yards fans] were booing me the last two years. It doesn't matter. I could be pitching a good game and give up a run in the eighth and they would boo me. It doesn't hurt my feelings."

It sounds like Sidney is bitter about his experience and he might have to a right to be.

However, because of his potential, he’s been given multiple chances not with the Orioles, but several other organizations, and maybe the Twins might be the team for him.

Sidney and a lot of athletes must realize, they are role models and representatives for the community, whether they like it or not. It must be a lot to bear on one person; however, the fact of the matter is, when people spend their hard earned money to watch you perform they have an emotional investment in you.

People don’t like a bad performance; however, a lot of us get upset when we see an athlete squander his ability and not want to take responsibility nor acknowledge their mistakes.

In the end, I have had one family member who had problems with the law and drugs, and I’m not going to not going to hate someone for their misfortunes.

Sidney must realize he’s got a gift and should not waste it, but at the same time, he’s needs to stand up be culpable for his problems, if they still are demons in his life.

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As mentioned earlier, the Orioles got hammered 16-2 and the starting pitcher, Steve Trachsel got hammered yesterday, but he’s not fazed by it.

The Orioles.com has more on yesterday’s game.

Ramon Hernandez played first base yesterday, but Sam Perlozzo says he will probably be behind the plate exclusively in 2007.

Jorge Arangure of the Washington Post informs us that youngster Hayden Penn is still in competition for a bullpen spot, and new bullpen coach Dave Trombley is finally in the majors after toiling in them minors for many, many years.

Freddie Bynum is trying to make the squad for the Orioles this season, and one of the good things about him is that he’s a versatile player, and he tried playing first base yesterday.

MLB Stuffage:

• Clint Hurdle and pitcher Jeff Francis for suspended for their altercations with the Padres earlier this week.
• Gary Sheffield should be back with the Tigers today.
• Bonds is raking at the plate, as he hit his 4^th homer this spring.
• Gustavo Chacin arrested for a DUI.
• A Dominican judge has a granted a postponement of Juan Uribe’s case.