The Los Angeles Dodgers and Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have extended their Player Development Contract through the 2012 season, the two teams announced today, continuing what has been an extremely successful relationship both on and off the field.
In under two years, a total of 36 different players have spent time in Los Angeles and Albuquerque, with seven players going on to make their Major League debuts after starting the season with the Isotopes.
Entering play today, the ‘Topes have a combined record of 143-128 as a Dodgers affiliate.
“We are excited about extending our partnership with the Albuquerque Isotopes,” said De Jon Watson, Dodgers Assistant General Manager, Player Development. “The partnership has been outstanding, the fan base has been great, and we’re really excited to be reacquainted with our great fans in Albuquerque.”
Last season, the Dodgers’ first back in Albuquerque after an eight-year hiatus, the Isotopes set a team record with 80 wins and an earned a spot in the PCL Playoffs for just the second time ever. This year, led again by reigning PCL Manager of the Year Tim Wallach, the ‘Topes are once again right in the hunt of a division crown, just five games out of first. The Albuquerque Dukes were the Triple-A affiliate of the Dodgers from 1972 to 2000 after the Duke City hosted the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate from 1965 to 1971.
“The Dodgers have been ingrained in the Albuquerque community for the better part of 50 years and we’re excited to continue our successful relationship,” said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. “From the exciting, competitive clubs we’ve fielded the last two years to the fun promotional things we’ve been able to do in conjunction with the Dodgers, we’re thrilled that Albuquerque will continue to be known as Dodgertown, New Mexico.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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