With no other options on the table, the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed a two-year extension of their player-development contract (PDC), through 2014.
The announcement was made by Travelers team president Russ Meeks on Monday morning at Dickey-Stephens Park. It was no secret the Travelers were unhappy with the teams being sent that way by the Angels and would have welcomed a new affiliation. But with no other MLB teams seeking a new Class AA affiliation, an extension of their relationship was inevitable.
“For 12 years our fans have seen some of the best young talent in all of the minors playing for the Travelers,” said Meeks. “Moving forward we believe in the vision that (Angels General Manager) Jerry Dipoto and (Assistant General Manager) Scott Servais have for the Angels both at the Major League and Minor League levels. The Travelers want to be a part of that vision.”
“Over the past 12 seasons the Angels have worked together with the outstanding group in Arkansas while realizing tremendous success, both on the field and with the development of future Major League players,” Dipoto said. “Russ Meeks and the good people with the Travelers continue to be a valued member of the Angels family and we are thrilled to continue our long running partnership. We all look forward to the next chapter of Angels history and take great satisfaction in knowing the Travelers will continue to contribute so heavily to both our present and future success.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!