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By mw2828, Section Journals
In terms of classical pitching match-ups, Pavano versus Ponson doesn't exactly invoke memories of epic duels past. Yet, the erratic career paths of these two highly touted right handed hurlers does add a layer of intrigue to an April affair between a pair of suspected contenders.
New Britain product Pavano was a practical prodigy, traded for Pedro Martinez. He struggled with control early in his career, overhauling a clumsy delivery constantly, searching for a consistent arm slot. His stuff was undeniably electric, though a series of arm injuries nearly derailed his promising career. He bounced from Montreal to Florida, finding himself in the second half of 2003, finishing strong down the stretch for a playoff caliber outfit, eventually contributing to the franchise's second World Championship victory. Carl was spectacular in the postseason, memorably out pitching Roger Clemens in Game Four of the World Series. After his breakout October, the expectations surrounding Pavano increased by a huge increment. 2004 wouldn't be a disappointment, as Carl officially etched himself as an ace, winning 18 games with a pristine 3.00 earned run average. Following the campaign, Pavano signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees, an organization enamored with his ability and big game moxie. He pitched hurt in his first fistful of starts in New York, struggling to a 4-6 mark before his season ended with an arm malady, his bane in Montreal. Pavano was expected to rebound, but never pitched, his snapshot of greatness fading fast. Bone chips and a nearly fatal car accident robbed Pavano's 2006 season, without an inning pitched. The saga of Pavano has become soap operatic. He finally appears healthy again, but questions linger.
Has his ability eroded? Opposing Pavano is Sir Sidney Ponson, knight of Aruba. Character arcs don't come messier than this. It's all there: talent, waste, redemption, regression, and booze. Definitely booze. Ponson was a top prospect with Baltimore, who sabotaged himself, immaturity and indulgence earmarks of his failure at the Major League level. Than, in 2003, Ponson seemingly ascended, a bald phoenix from the abyss. In a suspicious coincidence, it was a contract year, though he had shown fleeting signs of success in 2002. His increased productivity made him excellent trade bait, and Baltimore unloaded Sidney on San Francisco. After a stunning upset to the Marlins in the division series, Sidney and the Giants parted company. Ponson steadfastly vowed that he would never return to Baltimore, feeling disrespected by Oriole management. The O's appeared to reciprocate. After all, Ponson's Baltimore experience was blemished by deviance, both on and off the field. It infuriated fans to no end when Ponson smiled sardonically while receiving a beating from an opposing team. No adjustments. No effort. Just wavering grins. Yet, they could never really break free of each other. The O's remained petrified that Ponson would become a perennial 20 game winner wearing another uniform. And Sidney was discovering his stock lower on the free market than his agent had anticipated. As other options dwindled, the inevitable became reality. The O's welcomed back the Knight as a prodigal son. It would be one of the biggest disasters in the history of their franchise. Ponson's ERA skyrocketed above five in 2004, but that was just an appetizer, 2005 a main course of calamity. It began in December of 2004, when Ponson assaulted a man during a beachside brawl in his native Aruba. The man's identity was discovered after the beating, a judge. Some luck. Ponson spent time in jail. If an alcohol fueled brawl on a beach could ever count as a harbinger for something even worse ahead, this was it. The O's at last severed ties with Ponson in September of 2005, his potential officially overwhelmed within embarrassment. The Cards took a chance in '06, discovering Sidney, despite a new haircut and renewed work ethic, just couldn't hack it. They cut him. The pitching desperate Yankees were next, where he lasted all of 16 innings. The irony of all this: Ponson changed. He was seen working late at the Yankees facility after games, pumping iron. He was a model citizen in St. Louis, uttering nary a protest upon his dismissal, and receiving approval as a person from Tony LaRussa. The Twins will attempt to resurrect Sidney Ponson, unlock his dormant talent. But one had to wonder: could it be too late for these two careers? Will we be left wondering what could have been?
Tonight's the first step toward finding out what will be.
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