In a surprisingly low-key fashion — no press releases, no big announcements — the Ogden Raptors (rookie; Pioneer League) and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their player development contract (PDC) through 2016.
The pair have been affiliated since the 2003 season. Tommy Lasorda, who managed a former Ogden team affiliated with the Dodgers in 1966–68, was on hand to announce the extension at last night’s season finale at Lindquist Field.
This was the only affiliation extension announced by the Dodgers before the end of the regular season, as the team has contracts with the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League), Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League) and the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) set to expire this month, we could see an overhaul of the Dodgers’ Minor League operations. We’ve reported that Peter Guber, part of the Dodgers ownership team, is close to finalizing a purchase of the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), which would lead to an affiliation shift. It’s also no secret that the Dodgers aren’t impressed with the facilities in Chattanooga.
But the lack of announcements may not mean anything when it comes to the Class A teams. We know of several other affiliate agreements in place that have not been announced, and for whatever reason teams have been dragging their heels when it comes to following through on these agreements with paperwork and public announcements. Perhaps both sides don’t want to miss better opportunities; perhaps it’s not important to them.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
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