
Rochester Red Wings and Minnesota Twins Extend Player Development Contract
August 17, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Rochester Red Wings News Release
ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Red Wings and Minnesota Twins have agreed to a two-year Player Development Contract extension through the 2014 season. Red Wings President/CEO Naomi Silver and Twins General Manager Terry Ryan made the joint announcement.
The working agreement began in 2003 following the Red Wings' 42-year affiliation with the Baltimore Orioles from 1961-2002 and a 33-year partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1928-60.
"The Minnesota Twins is an organization that develops quality major leaguers through their minor league system," Silver said. "While that clearly does not guarantee us a winner every year, we believe that the development bodes well for us in most years. The Twins believe in the same thing we do - teaching these quality players to play hard, build good character, and be role models on the field and in the community. We are excited to renew our working agreement and we look forward to the conclusion of this fantastic season and the next two years."
"The Red Wings organization and the City of Rochester have been very good to us and this is the place we want to be," said Twins General Manager Terry Ryan. "Ownership, the front-office staff, and, of course, the fans have always made us feel very special and welcome in Rochester."
Rochester has posted winning records in five of the first nine seasons of the partnership, and the Red Wings in 2012 are on pace for a sixth with a 65-61 record with 18 games remaining. The Red Wings have the best record in the International League beginning July 1 at 28-16, and they are only three and a half games out of a post-season berth.
The Red Wings have made one post-season appearance during the first nine years of the partnership, advancing to the 2006 Governors' Cup against Toledo (Tigers) and losing three games to two. The Twins have won five American League Central Division titles in nine seasons as the parent club of the Red Wings, missing a sixth division title by one game in 2008.
"We are proud and honored to be a part of the Minnesota Twins family," Red Wings General Manager Mason said. "The great baseball fans of the Rochester community should also be proud to be associated with such a first-class franchise. Our relationship is stronger than ever before."
"I am very happy that we once again will be partners in Rochester," said Twins Senior Director of Minor Leagues Jim Rantz. "Our relationship over the years has been nothing but major league. Our players enjoy the city and enjoy playing here. They also appreciate the terrific fan support. We look forward to the coming years and fielding a winning team in Rochester."
The Red Wings have produced three International League Rookies of the Year: Jason Kubel in 2004, Francisco Liriano in 2005, and Randy Ruiz in 2008. Rochester has also produceed two IL batting titles (Kubel in 2004 and Ruiz in 2008) and two IL ERA leaders (Scott Baker in 2005 and Kevin Slowey in 2007).
The 10-year partnership thus far is the seventh longest in the International League. A list of the current affiliations:
Team Affiliation First Year Seasons
Gwinnett Braves 1966 47
Pawtucket Red Sox 1973 40
Toledo Tigers 1987 26
Durham Rays 1998 15
Charlotte White Sox 1999 14
Louisville Reds 2000 13
Rochester Twins 2003 10
Indianapolis Pirates 2005 8
Norfolk Orioles 2007 6
Scranton Yankees 2007 6
Lehigh Valley Phillies 2008 5
Buffalo Mets 2009 4
Columbus Indians 2009 4
Syracuse Nationals 2009 4
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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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