Ducks add pair of infielders
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 14, 2013) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of infielder Murray Watts and the acquisition of P.J. Phillips from the New Jersey Jackals of the Canadian-American Association in exchange for a player to be named later. Both will begin their first season with the Ducks and first in the Atlantic League.
“Murray and P.J. will both help solidify our infield,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “We are pleased to add both to our roster as we look to get on track towards a First Half Liberty Division championship.”
Watts joins the Ducks in his fourth season of professional baseball. He began the season with Wilmington (A+, Royals) of the Carolina League, playing in 16 games while posting three doubles and one triple. Last season, the 25-year-old split time with Wilmington and Kane County (A, Royals), combining to hit 13 homers, 43 RBI and 18 doubles in 87 games. The Arkansas native has a .231 career batting average with 44 home runs, 158 RBI and 47 doubles in 272 games. Watts was originally drafted by the Royals in the 28th round of the 2010 amateur draft.
Phillips comes to Long Island with seven seasons of professional baseball experience. In 2012, he combined for two homers, 16 RBI and eight doubles in 72 games with Pensacola (AA, Reds) and Louisville (AAA, Reds). The Virginia native led the California League in triples (11) during the 2008 season with Rancho Cucamonga (A+, Angels) and added 22 doubles, 55 RBI, 134 hits and 35 stolen bases that season as well. The 26-year-old is a .248 career hitter with 40 homers, 223 RBI, 89 doubles and 31 triples in 590 games. Phillips was originally drafted by the Angels in the second round of the 2005 amateur draft and is the brother of Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips.
In a corresponding roster move, infielder Bryant Nelson was placed on the inactive list.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
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