Ponson looks to continue success against Tampa Bay
By john • May 26th, 2008 • Category: major leagues, sidney ponson, texas rangers
When Sidney Ponson signed with the Texas Rangers he was signed to be a veteran at Triple-A Oklahoma who would see the majors only if injuries allowed.
Only signed due to injury to starter Brandon McCarthy this could very well have been the end of Ponson’s career.
Moved into the rotation at the end of April after injuries hit Jason Jennings not much was could have been expected of Ponson who made just seven starts in 2007 posting a 2-5 record and a 6.93 ERA before the Minnesota Twins released him.
His first start would be a chance to prove the Twins wrong. After a strong start to the game poor defense by the Rangers allowed four unearned runs to score leaving Ponson with a no decision in a 12-6 loss to the Twins.
In his next two outings Ponson went eight then seven innings allowing just a run each as he picked up wins against Kansas City and Seattle.
After allowing six runs in 5.1 innings against Oakland on May 11 the critics were beginning to wonder if Sir Sid’s luck had run out.
He was solid in his next outing against Houston and in his last start against the Twins he pitched a complete game allowing just six hits and a run striking out five.
The strike out numbers are down a tad for the 260 pounder but he’s showed improved control and with a redefined sinker ball Ponson has gotten nearly 60% of his outs on the ground.
If there’s anything to nit pick about when it comes to Ponson it could be his relatively weak opposition, as only the A’s are in the top half of baseball in runs scored. Today he faces the Tampa Bay Rays who are 14th in baseball.
Scott Kazmir (3-1, 1.57 ERA) will be his mound opponent today so Ponson will have to pitch well as the Rangers who are the top scoring team in the AL figure to have a tough time scoring runs today.
john is the main author and owner of this blog.
Email this author | All posts by john