Aeros and Indians Extend PDC
June 23, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
AKRON, OH - The Aeros and Cleveland Indians have reached an agreement to extend the Player Development Contract for the maximum length of four years, ensuring that Akron will continue as the Double-A affiliate of the Indians through the 2012 season.
"This is obviously an exciting announcement, and it's one that we are happy to release publicly today," Aeros General Manager Jeff Auman said. "The Indians player development staff is filled with quality personnel, and they are a pleasure to work with on every issue we are faced with on a daily basis. We are extremely proud to have been an Indians affiliate for 20 years and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many more seasons to come."
The Aeros franchise first joined forces with Cleveland in 1989 when the club was still located in Canton. Since that inaugural season, more than 75 players have donned the purple and black before eventually making the Major Leagues, including All-Stars like Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore, C.C. Sabathia and Manny Ramirez. Opening Day first baseman Michael Aubrey just made his Major League debut this season, and infielder Asdrubal Cabrera and pitchers Aaron Laffey and Jensen Lewis all debuted with Cleveland last year after beginning the season with the Aeros.
"We could not be more excited about continuing our relationship with the Akron Aeros," said Cleveland Director of Player Development Ross Atkins, who himself spent parts of two seasons with the Aeros in 1998 and 1999. "The chance for us to have first-class resources in Double-A just 40 miles south of Cleveland is a separator for us. With the upgrade of the playing surface and the professionalism of Jeff Auman's staff, we know our Double-A staff and players are in very good hands."
The Aeros begin a week-long homestand at 7:05 p.m. tonight with the opener of a four-game series against the Bowie Baysox. Left-hander Scott Lewis (3-0, 1.08 ERA) will start for the Akron opposite Bowie's Chris Tillman (7-2, 2.67 ERA). It's a Dollar Dog Monday at Canal Park, with $1 hot dogs all night long. The game broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.
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