The Chicago Cubs changed Low-A affiliates a couple years ago, but that won’t be happening at AA any time soon.
Today, the Chicago Cubs and Tennessee Smokies announced that they’ve extended their development agreement through the 2018 season. It was otherwise due to expire after this season.
The Cubs/Smokies relationship is relatively recent, having started for the 2007 season after the Cubs departed the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. The Smokies have been a fun organization for the Cubs to be affiliated with – for the fans, I mean – so I suspect this news will be met with joy. As for the impact on the Cubs’ organization as a whole, it’s not an earth-mover, but continuity tends to be a good thing.
Some bits from the press conference, courtesy of Smokies announcer Mick Gillispie (with whom it’s also nice that the Cubs remain affiliated):
Smokies and #cubs to announce 4yr PDA extension today at Smokies Park. Cubs Sr. V.P Player Development Jason McLeod on hand for presser.
— Mick Gillispie (@BroadcasterMick) June 11, 2014
Press conference panel pic.twitter.com/Q5HN1QevYL
— Mick Gillispie (@BroadcasterMick) June 11, 2014
The new extension @smokiesbaseball @cubs with last through 2018. pic.twitter.com/YGyMqFCnpW
— Mick Gillispie (@BroadcasterMick) June 11, 2014