Followng his third arrest in the past 9 months, the Baltimore Orioles are searching for ways to rid themselves of boozy Sidney Ponson, writes the Sun’s Dan Connolly and Roch Kubatko. In addition to his recent DUI incident, watching O’s games from the dugout hasn’t been comfy enough for Sidney.
Even if Ponson, 28, who is on the disabled list with calf and thumb injuries, remains with the team, he could be facing a suspension for leaving the bench and going to a club level suite at Camden Yards during Wednesday’s game.
According to several ballpark sources, Ponson left the clubhouse in uniform pants and an Orioles pullover jacket during the first half of Wednesday’s game and joined friends in the fourth-level suite No. 22, which he periodically rents.
He stayed between one and two innings before rejoining the team. One ballpark source said he was drinking soda and not alcohol while in the suite. It was at least the second time he has visited the suite during a game, another ballpark source said.
Interim manager Sam Perlozzo said he still needs to set some team policies, but, “I would assume if you are here and in uniform, you are on the bench.”
He did not notice Ponson’s absence from the dugout Wednesday but said when informed of the report: “If that’s true, I would think that is grounds for a suspension.”
It’s Joe Blanton vs. Bruce Chen tonight at Camden Yards, Oakland leading Baltimore, 2-0 after 2 innings.