Ducks Add Arms
Published on August 8, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 8, 2008) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signings of former Major League pitchers Jose Paniagua and Brian Shackelford. Paniagua spent eight seasons at the big league level, appearing in 270 contests, mostly as a reliever. Shackelford made 63 bullpen outings for the Cincinnati over the 2005 and 2006 seasons, and split last year between Triple-A clubs Louisville (Reds) and Durham (Devil Rays).
"Jose and Brian are both veterans and add more quality pitching to our staff," says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. "We're excited to have them on board."
The 34-year-old Paniagua made his Major League debut with Montreal in 1996. Following two season with the Expos, the Dominican Republic native landed in Seattle, where he spent four seasons and established himself as one of the club's most effective relievers. He allowed less than one hit per inning in all four years with the M's, and collected 15 wins and 12 saves. Paniagua's best season came in 2000, when he went 3-0 with a 3.47 ERA and five saves in 69 appearances for Seattle. He struck out 71 hitters and allowed just 68 hits in 80.1 innings pitched. Paniagua also saw time with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox, and owns a career 4.49 ERA in the Majors. He is 45-37 with a 3.67 ERA in 163 career minor league games.
Shackelford was a 13th round draft choice of the Kansas City Royals in 1998, following four years of collegiate ball at Oklahoma University. After five seasons in the Kansas City system, he was traded to Cincinnati, and in 2003 rose through the ranks to the Triple-A level. In 2005, he made his debut at the game's highest level, appearing in 37 games for the Reds and posting a 2.43 ERA, while the opposition hit just .204 against him. The Oklahoma native returned to Cincinnati in 2006, making 26 more relief appearances. Shackelford owns a 3.74 career ERA in the minors, and has pitched in 242 games, all but one as a reliever.
In order to make room on the 25-man roster, the Ducks have announced that outfielder Richard Hidalgo has been placed on the inactive list, retroactive to August 5. Pitcher Ryan Knippschild was also added to the inactive list.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call 631-904-3825.
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