The Eugene Emeralds (short season A; Northwest League) and the San Diego Padres have extended their PDC through 2014, but the real action is beginning on the affiliation front.
The Emeralds have been affiliated with the Padres since 2001. This will be the first player-development contract between the Ems and the new ownership of the Padres.
Meanwhile, the Quad Cities Times is reporting the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to seek new MiLB partnersand not renew with the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Batavia MuckDogs (short season A; NY-Penn League). We don’t expect the Cards to leave the Midwest League, and we’re a little surprised to see them walk away from Modern Woodmen Park, though the pair could end up back together after the window shopping is done. Other Midwest League teams seeking a new parent include the Peoria Chiefs, Burlington Bees, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Beloit Snappers, Cedar Rapids Kernels, Kane County Cougars (reportedly talking with the Chicago Cubs on a deal) and Clinton LumberKings.
Regarding Batavia: There’s always the chance the Cardinals could walk away entirely from the NY-Penn League. St. Louis already fields a team in the rookie Appalachian League, and MLB teams do not need to have affiliates at both short-season A and rookie levels.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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