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Salt Lake, Angels extend player-development contract

Salt Lake BeesThe Salt Lake Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2016 season.

“We have enjoyed our longstanding relationship with Salt Lake and are thrilled to announce an extension through 2016,” said Scott Servais, Angels assistant general manager and head of scouting and player development. “The city of Salt Lake and employees of the franchise continue to provide a first-class venue and experience for baseball fans.”

Los Angeles has been the parent club of the Bees since 2001. In 14 years as an Angels affiliate, the Bees have compiled a 971-941 record, won five division championships and made two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Salt Lake is celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary this season and has attracted more than 10-million fans in those years while playing in the 15,411-seat Smith’s Ballpark.

“The baseball bond between the Angels and the Bees has been strengthened every year since we were reunited in 2001, and it’s a privilege to extend our partnership to 16 years,” said Steve Miller, president of Miller Sports Properties. “The Angels are a first-rate organization, and we have had a tremendous relationship through the years that has benefitted both teams and fostered the development of multiple Major League stars.”

More than 150 players have come through Salt Lake on their way to playing Major League Baseball in Angels Stadium. The list includes three-time All-Star pitcher Jered Weaver, who set the Salt Lake record for strikeouts after whiffing 14 batters in a 2006 game; 2012 All-Star Mark Trumbo, who set Bees franchise records with 36 home runs and 122 RBI in 2010; 2011 All-Star Howie Kendrick, who owns a .355 lifetime batting average in Salt Lake; and two-time All-Star Mike Trout, who hit .403 with five triples and 13 RBIs for the Bees in 2012 before going on to win the American League Rookie of the Year award for the Angels later that season.

“We are partners in the shared success of the Angels and the Bees through the years and take great pride in the development of Major League players,” said Salt Lake Bees general manager Marc Amicone. “The Angels have deployed a quality coaching staff led by Keith Johnson, provide high-caliber players, and support our efforts to deliver a great baseball experience in Salt Lake City.”

The player pipeline through Salt Lake City has been active in 2014 with 13 Bees players to date moving up to the big leagues including Matt Shoemaker, Efren Navarro, C.J. Cron, Grant Green, Luis Jimenez, Brennan Boesch, Josh Wall, Cory Rasmus, Mike Morin, Nick Maronde, Jose Alvarez, Yoslan Herrera and J.B. Shuck.

Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.

RELATED STORIES: River Cats, Grizzlies affiliations in play?; Astros, Rangers affiliate shifts likely at end of season?

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