Ponson emerges as key to deal
By Juan C. Rodriguez
Staff Writer
Posted July 23 2005
SAN FRANCISCO · Determined to rid themselves of Mike Lowell as part of any A.J. Burnett deal, the Marlins spent Friday working with the Orioles on a scenario that would do just that.
The teams shifted to finding a landing spot for Orioles right-hander Sidney Ponson. Moving Ponson, who is due about $13.5 million through next season, is paramount to the Orioles absorbing Lowell and the $21 million he's guaranteed through 2007.
One obstacle to moving Ponson is he has a 10-team, no-trade provision that includes the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After acquiring him, the Marlins reportedly were ready to send Ponson to Tampa Bay for reliever Trever Miller.
Barry Praver, Ponson's agent, said: "Neither Sidney nor I have been approached by the Orioles seeking Sidney's consent to accept a trade to Tampa or any other team."
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