Another PDC extension to note: the Salt Lake Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim extended their player development contract for two more years, through 2018.
The Bees have been the top affiliate of the Angels since 2001.
“We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with Salt Lake through the 2018 campaign,” said Angels assistant general manager and head of scouting Scott Servais. “The organization remains one of the best in all of Minor League Baseball and the city of Salt Lake offers tremendous support. We are also pleased with the leadership of Bees General Manager Marc Amicone and the direction of the franchise.”
“We have extended our partnership with the Angels for four more years because of the great relationship we have and our joint commitment to baseball in Salt Lake City,” said Bees general manager Marc Amicone. “The Angels are a premier Major League organization and our fans will continue to have the opportunity to watch the game’s future stars on display at Smith’s Ballpark.”
In 14 seasons as an Angels’ affiliate, more than 150 players have come through Salt Lake on their way to playing Major League Baseball in Anaheim, including current Angels stars Mike Trout, Jered Weaver, Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick. During that time the Bees have claimed five division championships and made two trips to the Pacific Coast League finals.
During the 2014 season, 33 players wore both a Bees’ and Angels’ uniform. Salt Lake hosted Major League rehabilitation assignments for Josh Hamilton, Kole Calhoun, Tyler Skaggs and David Freese. Contributing players like C.J. Cron, Grant Green, Matt Shoemaker, Hector Santiago and Efren Navarro emerged from Salt Lake last season to help the Angels win the American League West division and collect a Major League-best 98 wins. The Halos playoff roster included 19 former Bees, 12 of whom put on a Salt Lake uniform last year.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.