04/05/2006 4:18 PM - Kansas City added a familiar face to its 2006 mound corps with Wednesday’s signing of two-year T-Bone veteran David Viane. In his two years with the T-Bones, Viane is 10-10 with a 4.47 ERA in 43 appearances. The 26-year-old has compiled a 14-17 record and 4.28 ERA in 116 games over four seasons as a professional.

Viane made a seamless transition to the T-Bones’ starting rotation in 2005 after working exclusively from the bullpen throughout his previous three years in professional baseball. The right-hander made his first career start on June 14th versus Joliet, working into the sixth inning and allowing just two runs. Viane posted one of only two complete-game shutouts thrown by a T-Bone pitcher in 2005- a six-hitter versus Joliet on July 28. For the season, Viane went 8-7 with a 4.34 ERA in 25 games.

After spending the bulk of his college career as a catcher and outfielder, Viane was selected by Seattle in the 20th round of the 2002 draft as a result of his 90-plus mile per hour fastball. The Farmington Hills, Michigan native spent two and a half seasons in the Mariners’ system, advancing as high as Class A, before signing with the T-Bones in July 2004.

While T-Bones Manager “Dirty” Al Gallagher admits he might not have anticipated Viane’s success following his move from the bullpen, he is quick to note that he was not at all surprised at how well the Oakland University product adapted to his new role.

“David showed a lot of promise last year.” Gallagher remarked. “Moving him into a starting role really aided his development as a pitcher, and we’re excited to see what he can do this season.”