AtL Long Island Ducks

Valentine Signed by Reds, Ducks Add Nichols

Published on August 4, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


(Central Islip, N.Y., August 4, 2008) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced that pitcher Joe Valentine has had his contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds organization. Valentine, signed earlier in the season by Philadelphia, will report to Double-A Chattanooga of the Southern League.

"We're happy that Joe is getting another chance," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "He's been a strong asset to our pitching staff over the past two seasons, and we're excited that he will have the opportunity to prove himself in the Reds' system."

Valentine earned 13 saves in 32 appearances for the Ducks in 2008, compiling a 5-3 record with a 3.32 ERA. He struck out 34 in 38.0 innings pitched, allowing 29 hits and 18 walks. In 69 career games with Long Island, the 28-year-old owns a 9-5 record, 15 saves and 71 strikeouts in 73.0 innings of work. He served as the Ducks setup man before taking over the closer's role at the beginning of the 2008 season. Valentine owns 101 career saves at the minor league level along with a lifetime 3.67 ERA.

In another transaction, the Ducks signed infielder/DH Kyle Nichols to take Valentine's place on the roster. Nichols previously played for Southern Maryland, Lancaster and Camden this season before joining the Ducks. The 30-year-old holds a career .276 average with 111 home runs and 457 RBI's in 689 minor league games.

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) 940-3825.




Atlantic League Stories from August 4, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central