Ponson struggles in debut Yankees 8 at Twins 2 April 9th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Sidney Ponson had pretty much everything going against him in his Twins debut on Monday night. First, he hadn’t pitched in a game in a week and a half and second he was pitching against the high powered Yankee offense. When the game started he also didn’t get a lot of help from his defense. There are plenty of excuses to make for Ponson, but the truth his he didn’t pitch that well either.
In the first inning, the Yankee rally started with a couple of bloop singles, but the damage was extended later in the inning when Jason Kubel misplayed a catchable fly ball in left field. Kubel got his first start in left due to Rondell White’s calf injury. Jason Bartlett’s fielding woes also continued in the game as he made his third error of the season. Ponson still deserves much of the blame for walking 3 and serving up homeruns to Alex Rodriguez and Bobby Abreu.
After struggling in his first start, Carl Pavano gave the Yankees their best start of the season. He pitched 7 complete innings and didn’t walk anyone while allowing 6 hits.
Ponson won’t be allowed many more starts like this before the Twins seek out other options. Fortunately for him his next opponent will be a little bit easier this weekend when the Twins host Tampa Bay.
Game Notes
- Ponson allowed 10 hits and 3 walks in 5 2/3 innings. He settled in after trouble in the first 2 innings, but was finally knocked out of the game in the sixth when he allowed A-rod’s fifth homerun of the season.
- Torii Hunter led the team with 2 hits and one RBI in the seventh.
- Jason Bartlett is off to a horrible start to the season. He’s batting .056 and arguably looks even worse in the playing field.
- Nick Punto is also struggling at the plate, but looks just fine in the field. After starting off the season with 3 hits in the first 2 games, he’s been hitless since.
The disabled list
Jeff Cirillo appears headed to the DL with an aggravated meniscus tear that he suffered prior to the 2006 season. He may be able to wait it out, but surgery seems like a more likely option.
The Twins’ need for more depth might also land Rondell White on the DL. No season is complete without a DL trip for Rondell.
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2 Comments
Kris wrote: April 10th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I share your sentiment Chuck. I don't think Ponson will pan out and I think it was a mistake to bring him in in the first place.
But he's here, so I think they might as well give him a few starts. If he can pitch well (in more than just one start) then great, but if not then they should be quick to go to Garza or Perkins.
On a related note, Garza pitched a bit of an ugly game in Rochester the other day too.
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Chuck Fitzer wrote: April 10th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Ponson's not going to make it. Granted he didn't get defensive support early, but it was painful just to watch him pitch. Let's not waste any more games on Ponson. My worry is that Sidney will pitch well against TB this weekend and then we'll have to watch him screw up another three starts before the Twins make a move. Garza looks ready. Bring him up now!