Triple-A affiliate of Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens sign through 2016 – MLB News
Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Toledo Mud Hens has signed through 2016 and extended the past 25-year relationship. The extension agreement was announced on Tuesday where Tigers’ director of Minor League operations Dan Lunetta stated in a release.
The Tigers’ Minor League affiliate Mud Hens have won two International League Governor Cup titles in 2005 and 2006 and also two playoff berths back-to-back in the same year. Many young players have been given a chance to play in recent years through the
affiliate farm system.
Lunetta said, “The Mud Hens represent everything a Major League organization looks for in an affiliate relationship, and this is and has been a perfect fit for each other for many years, and we now continuing our partnership beyond next season.”
The Mud Hens emerged and became one of Minor League baseball's great success holders over the last 10 years as they have successfully managed to sell-out 297 games. The Minor League affiliates attract many fans and spectators to their games, building interest
in their players and their future transition into the Major Leagues.
Some very good players were part of the Tigers franchise this year including Don Kelly, Brennan Boesch, Al Alburquerque, Ryan Raburn and young starter Rick Porcello. However, the Tigers young and energetic pitching prospects Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner
spent the last half of season with the Mud Hens and now they can begin their next season in the Tigers' roster.
The special relationship between the Tigers and their Minor League Affiliates Mud Hens has produced some talented players. Although many players may not make it to the Major Leagues, the affiliate system allows the Tigers to observe the performances of a
large pool of young talented future prospects.
The extension of the agreement between the Detroit Tigers and their affiliates the Toledo Mud Hens will benefit both teams, as they have worked together for the past 25 years and have produced some tremendous players for the Major Leagues. It will be interesting
to see which prospects come through the affiliate system and play for the Tigers in the 2012 regular season.
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