The Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) and the Tampa Bay Rays announced a four-year extension of their player development contract (PDC), effective through the 2014 season. All seven years of Biscuits history in Montgomery have taken place with a Rays affiliation, as more than 200 players have worn the butter and blue, with an astounding 36 of them reaching the Major Leagues with Tampa Bay.
“We are proud to be partners with the Montgomery Biscuits in developing our young players,” said Rays Director of Minor League Operations Mitch Lukevics. “Many of our current major leaguers have called Montgomery home over the past seven years, and we look forward to continuing our
relationship into the future.”
The announcement comes one day after two more former Biscuits were promoted to the parent club. 2009 Southern League MVP Desmond Jennings made his big-league debut on Wednesday, and 2009 star Biscuits pitcher Jeremy Hellickson returned to the Rays for his third stint of the year. The Rays roster now includes 11 former Biscuits, including All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria and 2010 MLB All-Star Game A.L. starting pitcher, David Price.
“We’re extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Rays,” said Biscuits Co-Owner Tom Dickson. “We’re proud to be affiliated with one of the finest organizations in all of baseball, and look forward to hosting some of its fine young talent for at least another four seasons.”
“While growing the Biscuits brand, we’ve continued to grow the Rays brand in our region as well,” added Biscuits General Manager and President Greg Rauch. “This has become a Rays region, and we’re following them in their quest for an American League pennant.”
The Biscuits won back-to-back Southern League Championships as a Rays affiliate in 2006 and 2007, and with one series left in the 2010 season, are in the heat of a wild card race. They’ve never made the playoffs and not won the title.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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