Beavers, Padres Announce Two-Year Extension to Player Development Contract

Published on August 28, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Beavers and San Diego Padres have signed a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) extension through the 2010 season, it was announced today.

The announcement was made jointly by Beavers President and General Manager Merritt Paulson and Padres Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Grady Fuson.

"We are very pleased to announce our PDC extension with San Diego," Paulson said. "The Padres have been fabulous partners, and we look forward to another two great years."

The extension continues a partnership that was established in 2001, Portland's first year back in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

"The Padres are excited about our continued agreement with the Portland Beavers," Fuson said. "With Merritt Paulson and his staff, we know we have a great partner in the Portland franchise. The player and staff experience in Portland is a vital part of the growth process to the major leagues and is a perfect fit for the Padres organization."

In eight seasons as San Diego's Triple-A affiliate, the Beavers have a 561-584 (.490) record. Under the Padres, the Beavers posted the best record in Triple-A Baseball in 2004 on their way to a division crown. Current Padres who have played for the Beavers include Mike Adams, Shawn Estes (disabled list), Brian Falkenborg, Jody Gerut, Edgar Gonzalez, Khalil Greene, Justin Hampson, Dirk Hayhurst, Chase Headley, Clay Hensley, Nick Hundley, Wil Ledezma, Chad Reineke, Luis Rodriguez and Tim Stauffer (disabled list). Additionally, a number of top players now representing other major league clubs have made an impact in Portland under the Padres flag, including Josh Barfield (Cleveland), Jason Bay (Boston), Jack Cust (Oakland), Xavier Nady (New York Yankees), Wil Nieves (Washington), Oliver Perez (New York Mets) and Ramon Vazquez (Texas).

"We look forward to continuing our association with Merritt Paulson and the entire Portland Beavers organization for the next two years," Padres Executive Vice President and General Manager Kevin Towers said. "As the final stepping stone before they enter into the major leagues, several of our players have reaped the benefits of the great facility and staff in Portland."

The Beavers and Padres have developed a strong relationship off the field as well, namely through the teams' Community Outreach Program that dedicates resources and energy to philanthropic programs in the Portland area throughout the year.

"San Diego shares our strong commitment to community outreach and has been a valuable resource as we try to optimize our own efforts in Portland," Paulson said.

During the season, Beavers and Padres players and staff make a positive impact on community values by initiating numerous visits to area children's hospitals, youth camps, libraries and schools.

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