Yankees expected to sign Ponson

NEW YORK -- Sidney Ponson is about to get another chance, this time with the New York Yankees.

Ponson was cut by the St. Louis Cardinals last week and the Yankees, desperate to find a fifth starter, expect to sign the talented-but-troubled pitcher today.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday the deal "made sense, compared to everything else that was available to us."

Once among baseball's more promising pitchers, Ponson's career has been derailed by alcohol problems. Baltimore released him last September, saying his behavior gave them grounds to terminate his contract.

Ponson is set to make his first start for the Yankees on Tuesday night at home against Seattle. The Yankees will pay between $150,000 and $175,000 to sign Ponson for the rest of the season.

The Yankees were three games behind Boston in the AL East at the All-Star break. Ponson would join Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright in the rotation. Starter Shawn Chacon is still on the roster, too, but there's been speculation the Yankees will soon make a move with him.

Released by Baltimore in the offseason, Ponson signed a $1 million deal with St. Louis. The 29-year-old righty started the season 3-0, but slumped and was 4-4 overall with a 5.24 ERA when the Cardinals designated him for assignment last Friday.

"He's still got a great arm," Cashman said.

-- AP