Andy Milovich, Executive Vice President of West Virginia Baseball, LLC., announced today that the West Virginia Power will extend the Player Development Contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates through 2014.
“Prior to last season we made the change in affiliation and joined the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league organization. We were very excited about the new affiliation then and are even more excited to continue it now, said Milovich. “Under the leadership of Neal Huntington, Pittsburgh’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, the Pirates are committed to player development. We are thrilled to be a part of the process and to be able to share the development of these young players with the City of Charleston and West Virginia.”
“One of the major benefits for our fans is the opportunity to follow former West Virginia Power players in person at PNC Park or via local cable television on Fox Sports Pittsburgh. Charleston is a National League City and we think it’s important that our fans have the opportunity to follow our players after they reach the big leagues. Take Tony Sanchez for example, the 2009 number four overall draft pick. He joined the team mid-season last year and was promoted to the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates High-A Team, in 2010. In spite of a terribly unfortunate injury that will slow his ascent to the Major Leagues, our fans were able to enjoy the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Giving Power fans the opportunity to see ‘their players’ take the field at PNC in the near future is a tremendously special opportunity,” continued Milovich.
We’re not quite there yet, but this fall is when many MLB/MiLB teams decide to renew their PDCs or move on. Technically, there are no talks going on unless an extension is being discussed — but we’re guessing a few surprises will come down the pike at the end of the season. Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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