As previewed earlier this week, the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the New York Mets renewed their player development contract (PDC) for two more years, through the 2016 season.
“We have had a great partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which continues to provide player development, winning and community involvement,” said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. “Maintaining continuity in Vegas is something we know will benefit our players, the city, fans and entire community.”
“We have a strong working relationship with many of the front office personnel with the Mets,” said 51s President/COO Don Logan. “I’ve known Sandy Alderson for over 20 years to go along with John Ricco, J.P. Ricciardi, Paul DePodesta, Dick Scott and Terry Collins. We are excited to extend our relationship and build on the success we have enjoyed.”
Las Vegas has clinched the Pacific Southern Division of the Pacific Coast League for a second straight season and has recorded back-to-back 80 win seasons for the first time. The playoffs will begin on September 3.
Twenty-three players have played at least one game with Las Vegas and New York this year, including Jacob deGrom, Travis d’Arnaud, Eric Campbell and Vic Black.
We are potentially in the midst of several affiliate chnages at the Class AAA level, where teams rarely shift their relationships. Interesting that Las Vegas, which has been the last franchise standing in the last few affiliate changes, has a second go with the Mets. On the one hand, Cashman Field is not the best of facilities. On the other hand, with an airport that never sleeps and a pretty decent front office, the 51s do have something to offer an MLB parent, and that relationship could be enhanced if the 51s do end up landing a new ballpark.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
RELATED STORIES: Affiliation news: Mets, Astros, 51s, River Bandits
—-
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!