Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays and the Triple-A Buffalo
Bisons of the International League have entered into a two-year player
development contract that begins next year and runs through the 2014 season.
With the deal, Buffalo becomes the third Triple-A affiliate Toronto has had in
its existence. From 1978-2008, the Blue Jays had a working agreement with the
Syracuse Chiefs of the International League before playing the last four
seasons with the Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific League.
"From a baseball point of view, this is a great fit for our organization,"
said Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "With only 160 km (99 miles)
separating the two fields, we will have greater flexibility to make roster
decisions and an increased opportunity to watch our most developed prospects.
We look forward to providing the Bisons with an exciting and talented roster."
Essentially, the Blue Jays and New York Mets swapped minor-league
organizations. From 2009-2012, the Bisons were the Triple-A affiliate of the
Mets, who Monday announced their own new two-year partnership deal with Las
Vegas.
The Sports Network