The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Double-A affiliate Arkansas Travelers announced Monday that the two teams have agreed to a new two-year Player Development Contract. Travelers team president Russ Meeks made the formal announcement:
"For 12 years our fans have seen some of the best young talent in all of the minors playing for the Travelers. Moving forward we believe in the vision that (Angels General Manager) Jerry Dipoto and (Assistant General Manager) Scott Servais have for the Angels both at the Major League and Minor League levels. The Travelers want to be a part of that vision."
The partnership is the second-longest affiliation in Travelers history and has produced two Texas League championships, four division titles and 13 Major League All-Stars. Current Halos leadoff man -- and budding superstar -- Mike Trout is a former Travelers standout.
Dipoto added his own take on the relationship, on behalf of the Angels:
"Over the past 12 seasons the Angels have worked together with the outstanding group in Arkansas while realizing tremendous success, both on the field and with the development of future Major League players. Russ Meeks and the good people with the Travelers continue to be a valued member of the Angels family and we are thrilled to continue our long running partnership. We all look forward to the next chapter of Angels history and take great satisfaction in knowing the Travelers will continue to contribute so heavily to both our present and future success."
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