ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Orioles might be running out of solutions to a losing streak that reached seven games last night. About all they can identify is ways it could get worse.
Try removing a hitter from the heart of the order. Burden the team with an embarrassing controversy that's drawing national attention, putting the spotlight where it's most unwanted. The Orioles would rather stay in the dark than have more problems illuminated for all to see.
The Anaheim Angels hit three home runs off Sidney Ponson, two of them by Vladimir Guerrero, and the Orioles marked the second day of Rafael Palmeiro's suspension with a 10-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels before a sellout crowd at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
While Palmeiro continued to serve his 10-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball's steroid policy, the Orioles ( 51-55) were beaten for the 15th time in 17 games. They are 4-15 since the All-Star break, their last win coming July 26 , and have fallen 9M-= games behind the first-place Boston Red Sox in the American League East.
It's unnerving to imagine that rock bottom might be a little further down.
Ponson keeps reaching for it. He allowed eight runs in 5M-- innings, leaving him with one win in his past 11 starts and inflating his ERA to 6.12.
With a spot open on their roster, the Orioles purchased Midre Cummings" contract from Triple-A Ottawa. Cummings was batting .280 with 12 homers after missing two months with a broken right ring finger suffered in spring training.
Cummings gave the Orioles a left-handed bat on the bench and an extra outfielder, while B.J. Surhoff started at first base. They didn't bother to bring up a player to take Palmeiro's position. No sense trying to replace someone whose shoes can't be filled.
"He's our cleanup hitter and pretty much the only one hitting in the clutch right now." Jay Gibbons said. "[The suspension] isn't going to help."
The Orioles had to put aside a major distraction, no matter how difficult, and focus on their road trip. Ponson had to put aside his hurt feelings.
Ponson, who surrendered back-to-back homers to Guerrero and Garret Anderson in the third that gave the Angels a 4-0 lead, doesn't exactly feel wanted after the Orioles agreed to deal him to the San Diego Padres before Phil Nevin invoked his no- trade clause.
