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Myrtle Beach, Chicago Cubs sign player development contract

Myrtle Beach PelicansWe have our first big affiliation shift of the season: the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Chicago Cubs signed a two-year player development contract (PDC), through 2016.

“The Cubs are an iconic national brand,” said Pelicans General Manager and Vice-President Andy Milovich. “The success of our business is determined by fan interest, the quality of baseball, and the impact on Myrtle Beach from a tourism perspective. The Chicago Cubs present an incredible partnership in every aspect. The Cubs strengthen the Pelicans brand in a way that few, if any, other major league franchises could. Cubs fans can now visit their future stars in one of the iconic vacation destination spots in the US.

“From a baseball standpoint, the Cubs currently stand alone as far as minor league talent,” added Milovich. “The players in their system position us well to get us back to the Mills Cup Championship Series and hopefully see our players move on to be a part of a World Series run as well.”

The Kane County Cougars, the Cubs’ affiliate in 2014 at Class-A, one rung below the Class A-Advanced level, won the Midwest League Championship and went a club-record 91-49, the best record in full-season minor league baseball this season.

“We are excited to reach an agreement with Myrtle Beach and begin working with Chairman Chuck Greenberg and General Manager and Vice President Andy Milovich,” said Jason McLeod, the Cubs Senior Vice President, Scouting and Player Development. “Myrtle Beach is a well-respected franchise that will serve as a beneficial destination for our young players. We look forward to developing a successful relationship with the franchise and community.”

The Cubs, of course, have been one of the big stories in baseball because of three potential affiliation shifts this offseason. We discuss the Cubs and the current affiliation dance here.

Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.

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