Oaks Announce New Affiliation with Arizona Diamondbacks
Published on September 29, 2006 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
VISALIA, CA - The Visalia Oaks are pleased to announce the signing of a Player Development Contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona's best prospects will don Oaks uniforms for the 2007 and 2008 baseball seasons. The Arizona Farm system is unquestionably one of the most talented in baseball. Baseball America rated the Diamondbacks farm system #4 in baseball before the start of the 2006 season, in which D-Backs affiliates won two League Championships and sent a third team to the playoffs. In AAA, the Tucson Sidewinders rolled to the Pacific Coast League Championship with a 91-53 record. Tucson also beat the Toledo Mudhens, the International League Champions, in the Inaugural Bricktown Showdown AAA Championship game. In the Pioneer League, the Missoula Osprey won their second League Championship. The Southbend Silverhawks, the Arizona affiliate in the Midwest League, the level below the California League made the playoffs with a 74-62 record. The Silverhawks team was led by former #1 draft pick Justin Upton who Baseball America rated the #3 prospect in the League. "The Oaks are very happy to have the Diamondbacks as our new affiliate," said General Manager Jon Peterson, "they are a class organization with a farm system loaded with prospects who can put a winning team here in Visalia. Oaks fans, many of whom are also Giants or Dodgers fans will be able to see their team's future stars create NL West rivalries here in the California League." Added Oaks President Tom Seidler, "We are thrilled to welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to Visalia as our new affiliate. The City & ballclub's long-term commitment to baseball and the ballpark renovations is already paying dividends - the ability to attract our first choice for an affiliate. The future has never been brighter for baseball fans in Visalia." The Oaks had been a Tampa Bay Devil Rays affiliate for two years. Arizona had recently been affiliated with the Lancaster Jethawks for six years.
California League Stories from September 29, 2006
- Oaks Announce New Affiliation with Arizona Diamondbacks - Visalia Rawhide
- Boston Red Sox Ink Affiliation Agreement With Lancaster JetHawks - Lancaster JetHawks
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