To the Rescue…?

The Yankees announced just before kicking off tonight’s rain-delayed start that they have signed Texas Ranger cast-off Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal.  Its likely that he’s signed cheap and will get a try-out in Wang’s rotation slot this Saturday.  He’s 4-1 with an ERA of 3.88, which looks promising, but his WHIP (Walks and hits / inning pitched) is 1.56, not a great number.  He’s had 6 or 7 quality starts (one was 7 IP, 4 ER), but not much of a record of success vs. the AL East.  Hopefully he’s just a stop-gap to give some AAA pitchers a little more time to develop and prove themselves ready for the bigs.  Worst case scenario, he eats up a few starts and gets a bus pass out of town.

Even if Ponson comes up big, there’s not really a place for him on this team.  He was a cancer in the clubhouse in Texas (hence him being sent away), and once the rest of the starting staff comes off the DL, Sid will probably be out the door.  He’s already had a chance at pinstriped glory and been run out of town on a rail, so unless he makes an incredible impression, don’t expect too much.  There’s too much talent waiting in the wings for an overweight, over-30 pitcher to stick around.