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Pirates enter new affiliation with Bristol

Pittsburgh PiratesYou can expect a new team name and branding, as the Bristol Sox (rookie; Appalachian League) entered into a new player-development contract (PDC) with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bristol joins the organization’s system as a ninth MiLB affiliate for the 2014 season. It becomes the Bucs’ second rookie-level team, with the Gulf Coast Pirates.

The agreement marks the return of the Pirates’ presence in the Appalachian League for the first time since 1989, when the organization fielded the Princeton Pirates.

“We are looking forward to expanding our development system into the Appalachian League as well as beginning a new relationship with the fans and staff in Bristol, Virginia,” said Larry Broadway, Pittsburgh director of Minor League operations. “As we continue to invest in the draft and Latin America, the addition of an advanced Rookie League team provides us another opportunity to maximize the development time of every player who enters into our system.”

The White Sox, former parent of Bristol, will be launching an rookie Arizona League team in 2014 to replace the B-Sox.

Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.

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