Catfish to Swim with Devil Rays

Published on October 2, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbus Catfish News Release


Columbus, GA - After setting a franchise single season attendance record in 2006, the Columbus Catfish announced Friday they have signed a Player Development Contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization of the American League. The two-year agreement will begin with the 2007 season.

"We are very excited to be affiliated with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays," said Catfish General Manager Ken Clary. "Many teams were seeking their affiliation and we are fortunate to have come to this agreement."

Player development is a top priority for the Devil Rays. "They have one of the best farm systems in baseball," Clary said. "Catfish fans will enjoy the quality of play." Clary went on to note that in recent years, the Devil Rays have consistently selected at or near the top of the annual draft. "The Devil Rays are building through their farm system, not through free agency," Clary noted. "That means we are more likely to see top quality prospects passing through Columbus."

Two possible 2007 Catfish are C Nevin Ashley and RHP Jeremy Hellickson. Ashley spent the 2006 organization with the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League. He led the Devil Rays organization and the Appy League batting .333 in his first professional season. Hellickson was the top pitcher in the New York-Penn League as a member of the Hudson Valley Renegades. He led the Devil Rays organization with a 2.43 ERA while striking out 96 and walking just 16 in 77 1/3 innings.

The Devil Rays-Catfish marriage makes sense geographically. After the Atlanta Braves, the Devil Rays are the major league team closest to Columbus. That will make it easier for fans to see former Catfish players once they hit the major leagues. Additionally, with their Double-A Southern League affiliate located in nearby Montgomery, Alabama, the Devil Rays will have a strong presence throughout the region.

"Our fans can expect more promotional ties with our major league affiliate," promised Clary. "Fans should have more opportunities to win tickets to see the Devil Rays play, as well as more joint promotions with the D-Rays," added Clary, "and that's something Columbus has never really seen before. That's why we're so excited - and our fans should be, too."

The Catfish will represent the Devil Rays in the Class-A South Atlantic League Southern Division.

The '07 season will begin Thursday, April 5th when the Catfish host the Kannapolis Intimidators, Class-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For tickets, merchandise or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit www.ColumbusCatfish.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from October 2, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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