Ponson Headed For Third Team in a Week

Tuesday, July 29

NEW YORK -- The Minnesota Twins continued to move players in and out of the Metrodome, dealing recently aquired starting pitcher Sidney Ponson to the New York Mets on Tuesday for reliever Dave Weathers.

Ponson, 26, was aquired from the Orioles along with David Segui for Michael Cuddyer and a first round draft pick from the upcoming NIBA Dispersal Draft. He figured his tenure in Minnesota would be short, with an amazingly deep pitching staff, but not this short.

"I'm suprised, I just thank God that I didn't start any moving arrangements yet," Ponson said after finding the news out on Tuesday, "I'm pumped up heading to New York though. Its one of the places that I told the Orioles I wouldn't mind an original trade to, and it seems like things just always work out in the end."

Weathers will most likely step into the setup role in Minnesota, a spot that the Twins have been looking to fill for sometime. Ponson will join a staff that's flanked by three rookies at the backend of the rotation, with Seo, Griffiths, and Contreras. Mets ace Al Leiter is encouraged by the deal.

"We made some moves to rebuild earlier on, but its nice to have the front office try to make somewhat of a move to win. I think we can put a very successful team on the field right now," Leiter said.