Register Sign In Sidney Ponson edit=false; thepage=0; Sidney Ponson [Login to edit this page] Simon was born in Willemstad, Curaçao. Before signing with the Pirates, Simon signed with the Florida Marlins and New York Yankees in the 2000 season, but did not play in the majors for either franchise. In 2003, Simon was traded by Pittsburgh to the Chicago Cubs, where he had a productive postseason, helping the Cubs to the 2003 National League Championship Series. After the season, Simon was released by Chicago. On February 19, 2004, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Simon as a free agent to secure the team at first base for the upcoming season. After several months into his second tenure with the Pirates, he was released on August 18, 2004. Simon said, "I'm a fighter," Simon said. "I promise you're going to see me again. You don't have to worry about that." One day after his release from the Pirates, he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After less than a month with Tampa Bay he was released and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. Simon spent 2005 and part of 2006 with Potros de Tijuana of the Mexican League before moving on to the Arizona League AZL Rangers and the Oklahoma RedHawks of the Pacific Coast League. Simon hit .363 for Tijuana in 2005 and .348 in 2006 before joining the RedHawks, boosting his stock. On September 1, 2006, the Phillies acquired Simon in a trade with the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, calling him up to the majors when rosters expanded the same day. | |
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