After grumblings that the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) were not happy with the players sent to the team in the last several years, the team today announced it would extend its player-development deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — reluctantly, it seems.
“As an organization we decided our best option is to be a part of the Los Angeles Angels,” said Travs General Manager Pete Laven. “Their affiliates at the Class A level, Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga, enjoyed outstanding seasons in 2010 and are currently in the playoffs. It is our belief that the young talent coming to Dickey-Stephens Park over the next two seasons will deliver the winning product on the field that Travelers fans so deserve.”
The Travs own two Texas League Championships (2001, 2008) since they joined the Angels organization after the 2000 season, but overall the Travs have been 100 or so games under .500 under the Angels.
“We are pleased once again to extend our contract with the Arkansas Travelers through the 2012 season,” said Angels Director of Player Development Abe Flores. “The success of our ten-year partnership exceeds the business of baseball and is rooted even deeper because of the fans, community and front office. We are grateful for all they have done to go above and beyond during our affiliation. Dickey-Stephens Park and the people of Central Arkansas are first class, and we look forward to continuing this positive relationship with them in the years to come.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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