A good number of Minor League ball clubs will be affilated with new MLB clubs coming in 2009. Many factors are considered before the big clubs choose where their prospects will develop such as playing facilities, goegraphical location, and fan support. They look to enter a deal that is mutually benefitial to both parties. Most Player Development Contracts are usually 2-4 year deals, so in 2010 we'll probably be seeing form flip-flopping. Here's the rundown on of the MiLB teams on the move:
Triple-A
Albuquerque Isotopes(Pacific Coast League)-Old Team: Florida Marlins. New Team: Los Angelas Dodgers. The old Albuquerque Dukes were affiliated with the Dodgers from 1972-2000.
Buffalo Bisons(International League)-Old Team: Cleveland Indians. New Team: New York Mets. The Bisons have been affiliated with the Indians for the past 14 seasons. However, they were once affiliated with the Mets from 1963-65.
Columbus Clippers(International League)-Old Team: Washinton Nationals. New Team: Cleveland Indians. The Clippers ended a 28 season relationship with the Yankees in 2006 before being affiliated with the Nationals for 2. This move makes sense with the proximity of Cleveland and Columbus.
Gwinnett County Braves(International League)-Basically replacing the Richmond Braves with Atlanta. The big club wasn't satisfied with the Richmond field's playing conditions. Other francises are interested in coming to Richmond, so they may have a team back there soon.
Las Vegas 51's(Pacific Coast League)-Old Team: Los Angelas Dodgers. New Team:Toronto Blue Jays. Hmm....Not an ideal move, but LA wasn't satisfied with the LV ball park, and Syracuse wasn't interested in renewing with the Jays, so here they are.
New Orleasns Zephyrs(Pacific Coast League)-Old Team: New York Mets. New Team: Florida Marlins. No big suprise here, they're just closer and more convenient.
Reno Aces(Pacific Coast League)-Replacing the Tuscon Sidewinders as the Diamondback top club. The relocation in 2009 will be playing at a park not yet completed in the downtown area.
Syracuse Chiefs(International League)-Old Team: Toronto Blue Jays. New Team: Washinton Nationals. The Chiefs wanted the Mets, who opted for Buffalo. They now get the Nats, who've had good Minor League success this season.
Double-A
Carolina Mudcats(Southern League)-Old Team: Florida Marlins. New Team: Cinninati Reds. The Marlins wanted Jax Suns, so the Reds signed up the Mudcats hoping for a solid fan base from re-located midwesterners.
Chattanooga Lookouts(Southern League)-Old Team: Cincinnati Reds. New Team: Los Angelas Dodgers. This ends a 22 year affiliation with the Reds.
Jacksonville Suns(Southern League)-Old Team: Los Angelas Dodgers. New Team: Florida Marlins. Jax is the only AA ball club in Florida, so it's a good fit.
Class-A
Lancaster JetHawks(California League)-Old Team:Boston Red Sox. New Team: Houston Astros. I guess Houston is just a bit closer than Boston.
Salem Avalance(Carolina League)-Old Team: Houston Astros. New Team: Boston Red Sox. I guess you noticed the switch. The BoSox didn't like having a team way out in Calif.
Bowling Green(South Atlantic League)-Relocation of the Columbus Catfish to Kentucky. No team name has been chosen yet. The Rays are sticking with them despite the move north, and the team will join the Midwest League in 2010. The Rays had the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Battle Creek) in the MWL from 2005-06.
Clinton LumberKings(Midwest League)-Old Team: Texas Rangers. New Team: Seattle Mariners. The oldest team in the MWL, they were affiliated with the Seattle Pilots in 1969.
Hickory Crawdads(South Atlantic League)-Old Team: Pittsburgh Pirates. New Team: Texas Rangers. The Pirates wanted to move their A team to West Virginia, and the Rangers moved south from Clinton.
West Virginia Power(South Atlantic League)-Old Team: Milwaukee Brewers. New Team: Pittburph Pirates. WV apparantly is filled with Pirate fans. Milwaukee moved closer to the.......
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers(Midwest League)-Old Team: Seattle Mariners. New Team: Milwaukee Brewers. Good move for the Rattlers, and the first time in the 50-year history of the club to be affiliated with a National League team.

Eva De Goede and Ellen Hoog
Alana Blanchard


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