twin58
Sep 17 2002, 02:29 PM
http://www.redwingsbaseball.com/>>
Tuesday 9/17/02 - The Rochester Red Wings and Minnesota Twins announced a two-year working agreement this afternoon, during a press conference held in the Red Wings clubhouse at Frontier Field.
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Joe in Philly
Sep 17 2002, 05:05 PM
Sounds like the Orioles might say they're giving the bird...away...
[quote]MLBeat: Rochester likely out
By Gary Washburn / MLB.com
BALTIMORE -- All indications are that the Orioles' 42-year relationship with their Triple-A affiliate in Rochester, N.Y., is over.
According to vice president for baseball operations Syd Thrift, the Orioles are planning to sign with another city to play next season, concluding what became a troublesome and bitter relationship with the Rochester Red Wings.
When asked Monday if Rochester was in the organization's plans next season, Thrift said, "I don't think so. I'm a realist. They've been wonderful and we've been there a long time, but the last several years there's been disenchantment. Sometimes, it's time for a change. So we're moving on."
The Red Wings have not been satisfied with their affiliation with the Orioles the past few years and have been searching actively for a new Major League club.
It appears as if the Orioles, Montreal Expos and Minnesota Twins will swap Triple-A affiliates because they are the lone teams without a contract for next season.
The Twins' Triple-A club is in Edmonton, Alberta, while the Expos, who will field a team next year, have their affiliate in Ottawa, Ontario. So the Orioles are likely to have their top farm team in Canada next year.
"If that's what we have to do, then that's what we have to do," Thrift said. "We have to go by the rules."
Rochester served as the final minor league pit stop for several Orioles standouts since 1960, including Cal Ripken (1981), Jim Palmer (1967, 1968), Eddie Murray (1976), Brady Anderson (1989, 1991), Mike Flanagan (1975, 1976, 1987) and Mike Mussina (1990, 1991).
The Red Wings organization has been dissatisfied with the Orioles' support for the past several years. The Orioles have chosen to send most of their injury rehabilitation players on assignments with Double-A Bowie, which is just 30 miles from Baltimore.
Right-handed pitcher Pat Hentgen, who had six rehab starts before returning to the active roster, did not pitch for Rochester. Neither did Jason Johnson, who did his rehab work for Bowie. The only current member of the Orioles to have a rehab assignment for Rochester this season was first baseman/designated hitter Chris Richard.