NEWSLETTER
As this morning’s Peoria news suggested, the official word on the Chicago Cubs’ re-affiliation was just a matter of time. And here it is.
Today the Chicago Cubs signed a two year player development agreement with the Kane County Cougars to serve as the organization’s Low-A affiliate. The deal has been rumored for quite some time, and will bring some of the Cubs’ top prospects (not just next year, but every year) to Kane County, just 45ish miles west of Chicago.
From the official press release:
The Chicago Cubs today agreed with Kane County on a new Player Development Contract to move the club’s Single-A affiliate to the Midwest League location approximately 45 miles west of Chicago. Additionally, the club has renewed Player Development Contracts with Single-A Daytona and short-season Single-A Boise. All three Player Development Contracts run through the 2014 season.
“We are pleased to reach agreement with Daytona, Kane County and Boise,” said Jason McLeod, the Cubs Senior Vice President, Scouting and Player Development. “The players who have come through Daytona and Boise have spoken highly of those cities and their fans. With Kane County, it is exciting to know we now have a Cubs affiliate right in our backyard. We look forward to successful relationships with each of these affiliates.”
The Kane County Cougars have made 13 post-season appearances in their 22-season history that began in 1991 as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles (1991-92). Kane County has also enjoyed affiliation with the Marlins (1993-2002), Athletics (2003-10) and Royals (2011-12). The Cougars played a game at Wrigley Field in 2008 and 2010 as part of the Cubs “Road To Wrigley” series. Overall, 120 future major leaguers have played at Kane County. The Cougars won a Midwest League Championship in 2001.
“We are extremely excited about our new relationship with the Chicago Cubs,” said Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug. “The close proximity between both organizations will be mutually beneficial in numerous ways. We believe that the Cubs organization and their philosophies about the minor leagues, including scouting, player development, and involvement in the community, are a fantastic fit for our franchise.”
Time to start checking your calendars and planning a BN get-together at Kane County next Summer.
The new alliance will not only benefit fans, but also the Cubs’ front office, should they want to observe certain prospects in person – it’s now a much easier, and faster trip.
