San Antonio Missions President Burl Yarbrough announced today that the Missions have extended their Player Development contract with the San Diego Padres for two more seasons running through the 2012 season.
“We are very pleased to announce that we will continue our relationship with the Padres. The past four seasons have been great, as we have seen many former Missions playing for the Padres already,” stated Yarbrough. “All of those players have made great contributions to this year’s first place squad.”
Over parts of four years as a Padres affiliate, the Missions have gone 283-271 (.511). The partnership his highlighted by a Texas League Championship in 2007, San Antonio’s first year with San Diego and two other post season appearances in ’08 and ‘09.
The 2007 club swept the Texas League honors, with Chase Headley and Josh Geer being named Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively. The 2007 Missions were also named the Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America.
“San Antonio and the Texas League have a rich baseball history and the Padres are thrilled to extend our affiliation with the Missions for at least another two seasons,” said Randy Smith, Padres Director, Player Development. “We have had a successful four-year relationship and believe San Antonio and the Missions provide the Padres an excellent opportunity to develop players for PETCO Park.”
Former Missions that are currently on the roster for the first place Padres are : Chase Headley, Will Venable, Mat Latos, Ernesto Frieri, Wade LeBlanc, Nick Hundley and the most recent addition of Corey Luebke. Luebke, who was 5-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 10 games with the Missions this season will make his major league debut tonight at Petco Park.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Subscribers to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter see features before they’re posted to the site. You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!