I saw an interesting tidbit on Ponson in the ESPN Magazine. Since he was a potential free agent, the Orioles anticipated trading him all along, and from the start of the season they pitched Ponson against other teams' number 4 and 5 starters whenever possible. This was to inflate his trade value. He had a 14-6 record when traded, and, according to the article the opposing pitchers had a 5.80 ERA. True, most of his victories came against lower tier pitchers and his six losses came against the likes of Loaiza, Colon, Maddux, Pettitte, Radke, and Burkett.

 

Another gossip column in the same issue had a comment on Loaiza: "Congrats to Cy Young candidate Loaiza for turning his career around. He deserved his old rep for showing up late to the ballpark and not caring as much as he should, but he's been a different guy for the White Sox this year."

 

That reputation is news to me.

Well that reputation should automatically put him in HSC's Doghouse

Sidney Ponson has always been a mediocre pitcher. He always looked like he had good stuff, just didn't seem to pan out until this season. I think that the ESPN article may have something there, but he still has to go and perform even then. It doesn't look like he only pitched against lower pitchers. And atleast you know he could be a number 2 or 3 since he can beat most 3's. Obviously the Orioles wanted alot of Ponson, but I think he was worth it for the Giants. He doesn't have to be their ace, they have Jason Schmidt. I would laugh if Ponson signs with the O's after this season too.

The orioles got a couple of good players for Ponson. I'm glad the sox didn't get him only because his record was better than his ability. That article has a good point.

Well Sidney Ponson pitched against Curt Schilling today and got the win.

true..but i think the era should be more important than the record since u do face the same hitters as the other pitchers adn its not like the decide not to hit u still gotta get the outs...

Well Sidney Ponson pitched against Curt Schilling today and got the win.

LOl these people dont know a good pitcher when they see one. Ponson is a very good pitcher.

what has he done so good in his career...he is fat and just lucky..besides this game he has been bad for the giants...

what has he done so good in his career...he is fat and just lucky..besides this game he has been bad for the giants...

I guess Loaiza has been lucky too.....

what has he done so good in his career...he is fat and just lucky..besides this game he has been bad for the giants...

Its called talent. Watch for it in the playoffs. And i think it has been proven that a pitchers weight means nothing.

no his era has been among the top pitchers in the league for the entire season...so are u comparing ponson with loaiza??.i sure hope not.

no his era has been among the top pitchers in the league for the entire season...so are u comparing ponson with loaiza??.i sure hope not.

Coming into this season I would have taken Ponson in a heartbeat ahead of Elo.

everyone has talent...its the ones who come up big for their teams in clutch situations..i guess we will see how ponson handles himslef during the playoffs...

everyone has talent...its the ones who come up big for their teams in clutch situations..i guess we will see how ponson handles himslef during the playoffs...

Thats ridiculous. Theres a WORLD of difference between the talent of Mark Prior and some medicore 5th man. Talent means a lot.

well im glad your not the sox gm or we would have been screwed..

people have different levels of talent, but someone must think your special to take a chance on you...i was not comparing ponson and prior...

well he wasnt available so there is really no point in talking about this...at this point i am glad with what we have and i do not think ponson is as good as his record...

Remember what the Os did really doesn't fool major league front offices. They have the staff to analyze all his outings before pulling a trade. And while it's true he was pitching against the other teams 4-5 starter the oppponents were still batting their 1st lineup.

 

I wish we culd teach whatever turned E-LO around. The new pitch, a little more confidence, etc. By the time a player is in the majors it has to be assumed he has talent and a lot of it. What they get out of that talent seperates the top players and the mediocre.