The press release should be coming out shortly, but we’ve been told the San Diego Padres and the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) are extending their player-development contract (PDC).
It’s been a good run for the two teams, especially this season, which saw the TinCaps set a record for attendance and hosting the team’s first-ever batting champ. Add to that two finals appearances in the last four years, and you have a pretty solid relationship.
With the biggest prize in Midwest League affiliations in the bag, look for the dominoes to start falling. Cedar Rapids has called a press conference for tomorrow to announce a deal with the Minnesota Twins, though it’s still technically not a done deal (as of this afternoon Twins farm director Jim Rantz said nothing has been signed, but that appears to be a formality more than anything else). This leaves the Beloit Snappers, Burlington Bees, Kane County Cougars, Peoria Chiefs and Quad Cities River Bandits (all Midwest League) and the Lexington Legends (Sally League) looking to negotiate in a new-parent pool that includes the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland A’s, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Houston Astros.
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!