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SALT LAKE CITY (August 9, 2006) -- The Salt Lake Bees and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announced today the teams have signed a four-year Player Development Contract (PDC) extension that will keep the Bees and Angels affiliates through the 2012 season.
Los Angeles originally became Salt Lake's parent club in 2001. In the five-plus seasons under the Angels, the Salt Lake franchise has a 426-406 record (through August 5). In that time many players have come through Salt Lake that have contributed to the success of the parent club.
Several had key roles in the run to the 2002 World Series championship including John Lackey, who was the starting and winning pitcher in the seventh and deciding game. Lackey originally began the 2002 season in Salt Lake , as did set-up man Brendan Donnelly and closer Francisco Rodriguez. That same year Salt Lake went to the Pacific Coast League Finals before falling in four games to the Edmonton Trappers.
"This four-year extension of our player development contract with the Salt Lake Bees through the 2012 season is the direct result of the tremendous professional relationship the Angels have with the Bees organization," said Angels Director of Player Development Tony Reagins. "The Bees share our same ideals and commitment to being a professional organization and we look forward to continued success in the years to come."
Other key players to wear a Salt Lake uniform include utility man Chone Figgins, pitcher Scot Shields, catcher Jose Molina, infielder Robb Quinlan and pitcher Ervin Santana. In 2006, 15 of the 24 players on the Bees' opening day roster have been called up by the Angels. Among those still with the Angels are pitchers Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Kevin Gregg, catcher Mike Napoli, infielder Howie Kendrick and outfielder Tommy Murphy. Others players with Major League experience who are back with the Bees include catcher Jeff Mathis, infielder Kendry Morales, outfielder Reggie Willits, and infielder Erick Aybar.
