Sir Sidney Excommunicated From Texas

Former Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson was designated for assignment. Texas general manager Jon Daniels said Ponson, who was 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA, was sent away "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel."

Right-hander Sidney Ponson, who seemed to have his career back on track, was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers in a surprise move prior to Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Texas general manager Jon Daniels was vague about the reasons for the decision, saying Ponson had been dumped "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel."

"I'm not going to get into details other than to say that we're clearly trying to put together a team here in the true sense of the word … and based on recent comments and other such things, it was pretty clear that he didn't want to be part of that," Daniels said.

"That's not something we're going to tolerate. We want guys who want to be here, guys who are going to pull for their teammates and be proud of the organization."

Texas has 10 days to trade, release or outright Ponson to the minors. Daniels said Ponson had done nothing illegal and hadn't violated any club rules.

Ponson cleared out his locker and left the stadium several hours prior to the start of the game against Tampa Bay.

The Rangers signed Ponson, 31, as a minor league free agent on March 10, and the Aruba native began the season with triple-A Oklahoma. He was called up by the Rangers on April 26, and had been one of Texas' most successful starters, compiling a 4-1 record and 3.88 ERA for a pitching staff that began Friday last in the majors with a 5.09 ERA.

"The last thing you want to do is lose a starter who's given you reasonably consistent, quality outings," Daniels said. "But some things are more important than that."

Ponson's checkered career has included stops with six big league teams, four in the last three years.

Nice. Glad to see you've overcome your problems, Sid.


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Quick Hits - O's Related

Washington Post's Orioles beat writer, Jorge Arangure Jr. has an article up on the website which covered the Aubrey Huff press conference & a few other bits O's business. The main themes are bulleted and pointed out.

• As well know, the O's signed Aubrey Huff and he says he's glad to play for the Orioles & quoted, ""It's a nice chapter for me in my life joining such a storied franchise,". It was conveyed that Huff will be an everyday player, most likely in left field which would make Jay Payton a 4th outfielder. He's may also play other positions in the field as needed, as he can play right field and third/first base.
  
  
• In the same article, the Orioles front office have started negotiations with second baseman Brian Roberts on a contract contract extension. He is eligible for arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2008 season.
  
  
• Meantime, the Orioles still are listening to offers for pitcher Rodrigo Lopez, but as of now, no deal is eminent.

Yet more on Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Sun. And one more piece from Roch Kutabko. Ok, a little overkill now on my part with Mr. Huff.

The Orioles.com website have an article up now about the catching situation, titled Around the Horn: Catchers. Much of the article talks about Ramon Hernandez along with the contributions and numbers he had last year for the O's, but it also goes into the catching acquisitions made this winter for '07.

Catching up with an Old Friend: Sidney Ponson has signed with the Twins. A once-promising pitcher for the O's, his career got derailed by alcohol abuse. He pitched in 2006 with mediocre results for the Cardinals and Yankees, thus getting released by both teams.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Ponson's deal that could be worth as much as $3 million. Ponson would get a one-year, $1 million contract if he's added to the 40-man roster and could earn $2 million more in performance bonuses.

The Latest Steroid News, An Old Friend and Cliff Floyd

The interest, innuendo and speculation is about to warm up with the steroid issue with MLB again. According the AP, the names and urine samples of about 100 Major League Baseball players who tested positive in 2003 can be used by federal investigators for evidence, and that in turn may have implications for Barry Bonds who's had various legal issues over the years.

Unbelievable. You have to read it for yourself. Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16370207/

The Pandora's Box that was slightly opened is going to be opened wide open in a bit, and the problem of drugs in baseball will be shown to have been substantial. Most of us are interested in the names that will come out, and it's only a matter of time before they are leaked.

Most of the players who are seen to have a positive test will probably never have to face punishment, but the court of public opinion will take care of that.

• According to the St. Louis Dispatch, "The Minnesota Twins are thse apparent leaders to sign righthanded pitcher Sidney Ponson, signed by the Cardinals last season and then released to re-sign with the Yankees. His grievance hearing for being dismissed by the Orioles in 2005 has still not been heard, and has not yet been rescheduled."
  
  Of course, if you remember Sidney Ponson was jettisoned from the Orioles after a drunk driving incident in 2005. In 2006, he pitched for the Cardinals and Yankees, subsequently released from both teams due to poor performance. He's expected to be a 5th starter or be part of the bullpen.
  
  
• "The Cubs are reviewing Cliff Floyd's medical records one last time before finalizing a one year, incentive base contract. A deal is most likely to be finalized this weekend. Floyd batted .244 with 11 HR and 44 RBI. He will most likely platoon with Matt Murton in left field."
  
  Guess he's off the O's list.
  
  *Thanks for MLB Rumors for the news on the players...