Tired of fielding losing squads, management of the State College Spikes (short season A; NY-Penn League) say they’re ready to dump their affiliation with the Pittsburgh Pirates. You normally don’t see such frank talk when it comes to player-development contracts and affiliation deals, but Spikes GM Jason Dambach was pretty blunt about his unhappiness with the […]
Tag Archives | affiliation
Blue Jays expected to re-up with New Hampshire
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to extend their PDC with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), as hopes for an Ottawa Eastern League team fade fast. Kevin Gray reports on the love between the Jays and the Fisher Cats. No surprise here: the Fisher Cats front office is one of the […]
More ballpark changes in South Bend
After unveiling $8 million in improvements to Covaleski Stadium last season, the South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A; Midwest League) are pushing out more ballpark fun this season. New owner Andrew Berlin says he’s spend $2 million on additional ballpark improvements this season and wants to see the city do even more in the […]
Scrappers, Indians renew affiliation
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers (short season A; NY-Penn League) and the Cleveland Indians extended their player-development contract (PDC) for two more years, through 2014. The Scrappers have been affiliated with the Indians since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. “We are thrilled to continue our great relationship with the Indians and look forward to working together […]
Cubs: We’ll drop Boise affiliation without new ballpark
As Boise discusses a new downtown ballpark, the Chicago Cubs became a player in the ballpark debate by proclaiming the team would walk away from Idaho if a new facility isn’t in the works by September. During a public forum last week Bill Buckner, a resident of Boise now working for the Cubs, said his […]
Tigers, Mud Hens extend PDC through 2016
The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) are extending their marriage another two years, to 2016, with a PDC extension. No surprise: the two have had a great relationship since 1987. “General Manager Dave Dombrowski, Assistant General Manager Al Avila, Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta and the rest of […]
RiverDogs, Yankees extend affiliate deal through 2016
Well, you can cross off negotiating an affiliation deal from Marv Goldklang’s to-do list for the next five years, as the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) and the New York Yankees have extended their relationship through 2016. “During the past seven years, RiverDogs’ fans have been privileged to see some of the most […]
Baby Blue Jays set to fly tomorrow
Baseball didn’t change much in Bluefield up to now, but 2011 sees some huge changes at Bowen Field: the Bluefield Blue Jays (rookie; Appalachian League) are now in town after 53 seasons of the Bluefield Orioles occupying the ballpark. The Orioles maintained an Appy League team in Bluefield from 1957 to 2010 before pulling out […]
Smokies, Cubs extend PDC
The Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) and the Chicago Cubs extended their player-development deal through the 2014 season. “It is a great privilege and honor to extend our PDC (player development contract) with the Smokies organization,” said Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita. “The East Tennessee community, Brian Cox, Doug Kirchhofer and […]
Reds, Bats extend PDC through 2014
The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) will remain the Cincinnati Reds‘ top farm team through 2014, as the two teams extended their Player Development Contract for two additional years. “The Reds are thrilled to have the opportunity to formally extend our relationship with the people operating one of the truly great professional baseball operations […]
Erie, Tigers officially extend PDC
The Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Detroit Tigers officially extended their player-development contract for two more years. “We are very pleased to make this announcement today,” said SeaWolves Team President/General Manager John Frey said. “The Tigers have been a big part of the success of the SeaWolves for the past seven seasons […]
Reds, Blaze make shotgun wedding official
As the last two standing at High Class A, the Cincinnati Reds and the Bakersfield Blaze (California League) were meant to be — but that didn’t stop them from issuing a celebratory press release anyway. Plus, the Blaze has a new general manager: Elizabeth Martin. The player-development contract runs for two years, through 2012. “The […]
Dodgers sign affiliate deal with RC Quakes; Angels go with Inland Empire
As first reported here, the Los Angeles Dodgers have indeed signed a two-year affiliation deal with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League); the Dodgers also purchased a minority chunk of the team, we’re told. Meanwhile, the Quakes’ former parent, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, signed an affiliate deal with the Inland […]