updated 8:14 p.m. ET July 14, 2006

NEW YORK - Sidney Ponson had options when he was released by the St. Louis Cardinals last week. Once the New York Yankees called, he quickly made up his mind.

“I’ve always loved New York,” he said.

Ponson signed with the Yankees on Friday and joined his new team on the field about two hours before the game against the Chicago White Sox. He is scheduled to make his first start on Tuesday against Seattle.

The Yankees moved struggling right-hander Shawn Chacon to the bullpen to make room in the rotation for Ponson, who is hoping a return to the American League is what he needs to right his once-promising career.

“I know most of the hitters in this league and it’s easier to pitch, you don’t have to run the bases,” said Ponson, who broke into the major leagues with Baltimore in 1998 and has played most of his career with the Orioles.

The 29-year-old right-hander has had problems with alcohol but said he hasn’t had a drink since last year. Baltimore released him last September during a three-year, $22.5 million contract, saying his behavior gave them grounds to terminate the deal.

The Yankees are hoping Ponson, who was 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA with the Cardinals, has turned the corner and can help stabilize the shaky back end of their rotation.

“We know stuff-wise that he’s certainly capable,” manager Joe Torre said, “and the thing you have to figure out is the inconsistency of it. And he’s still a young man, it’s not like you get to a certain age and things start leaving you. He’s not at that point.

“So I think we just have to evaluate as we go and see what we have.”

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Outfielder Kevin Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus and right-hander Darrell Rasner was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to clear roster room.

Ponson signed a $1 million contract with the Cardinals in December and gained a spot in the starting rotation with a strong spring. He started the season 4-0 but lost his last four decisions.

“I just went out there and did my best and it didn’t work out,” Ponson said. “They designated me for assignment and I’m here now. Now I have to worry about these guys and go out there and try to help them win ballgames.”

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Ponson said a couple of teams, including the Boston Red Sox, called his agent after St. Louis let him go.

Ponson was convicted in December of driving while impaired and sentenced to five days in jail. His arrest in August marked his third drunk driving offense. He also spent 11 days in jail in his native Aruba after fighting on a beach.

He won 17 games in 2003, when he pitched for the Orioles and Giants.

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