The final two slots in the Low Class A affiliate dance were filled today, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim going to the Burlington Bees and the Oakland A’s going to the Beloit Snappers.
The Angels come to Burlington after spending the past 20 years in Cedar Rapids.
“The Angels have long viewed Scouting and Player Development as the backbone of our organization,” said Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto. “We maintain an organizational commitment to building excellence at both the Major and minor league levels, while placing a high value on strong communities and affiliations in the process. With this in mind we are excited to welcome the good people of Burlington to the Angels family, while looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”
“We are extremely excited about our new relationship with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,” said Bees General Manager Chuck Brockett. “Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais (Assistant General Manager) have a great reputation around baseball. Not only do they develop top-notch minor league systems, but they also strive to develop a long-lasting relationship in their minor league communities.”
The Angels become the 14th different Major League affiliation for the Bees since 1962.
That left the A’s and the Snappers to announce an inevitable marriage, as the two were the last standing.
“We are thrilled to begin our new affiliation with the A’s,” said Dennis Conerton, Chairman of the Beloit Professional Baseball Association, which operates the Snappers. “Oakland is a very successful and well respected organization that has developed a progressive system for analyzing player talent. Their record speaks for itself and their farm system is highly regarded among the best in Major League Baseball. They have an experienced Player Development Staff that has been together for a long time comprised of quality individuals who will be a real pleasure to work with.”
“We are delighted to welcome Beloit to our minor league system with today’s announcement,” said A’s Vice President and General Manager Billy Beane. “It is an established Single-A market with a strong baseball community and management team. We look forward to a very successful partnership.”
Oakland will be only the third Major League affiliate for the Snappers in its 31-year history. Previous affiliations were with the Milwaukee Brewers and most recently the Minnesota Twins.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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