BALTIMORE -- The Orioles continue to talk with the Texas Rangers about right-hander Sidney Ponson and discussions intensified Wednesday, with the two teams attempting to negotiate the amount of Ponson's contract the Orioles would pick up, according to a Rangers source.
Ponson, who is scheduled to pitch Thursday against Texas, is making $7.5 million this season and $10 million in 2006 as part of a three-year, $22.5 million contract. The Orioles, according to club sources, are willing to pay a portion of Ponson's remaining money to move him, but the question is how much.
The Rangers have expressed interest in Ponson, but not at his current price. The burly right-hander is 7-9 with a 5.91 ERA and has lost his past five decisions, but the Rangers believe they are a couple of quality starters away from competing next year and Ponson, although he has yet to reach it, has a tremendous upside.