Is Syracuse the new home for the Nats Triple-A affiliate?
Members of the Nationals front office, including owner Mark Lerner, went to Syracuse today to look at Alliance Bank Stadium, home of the Syracuse Chiefs, to see if they will be the Nationals new Triple-A affiliate.
The contingent toured the facility, including the clubhouse and playing field, before meeting with Chiefs officials. Although no deal has been announced, it appears the Nationals are front runners to land in Syracuse.
The Chiefs had been affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays since 1978, but the working agreement with the Blue Jays expired at the end of the 2008 Minor League season.
A Player Development Contract, or PDC, is an agreement between Major and Minor League teams and must be a minimum of two years in length. If a new PDC is not signed by September 30 the Commissioner of Baseball and President of Minor League Baseball will assign a PDC by October 7.
Washington had been affiliated with the Columbus Clippers the last two seasons, but the deal expired. The Clippers, according to multiple sources, are expected to announce a deal with the Cleveland Indians to be their top Minor League affiliate.
Audio Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden discusses his trip to Syracuse
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