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Fort Wayne Team Will Remain a Padres Affiliate Through 2010
By Chad Gramling | August 12, 2008
Let the speculation stop. The team may not be called the Wizards, but they will undoubtedly be a San Diego Padres affiliate - at least through 2010 . . .
The San Diego Padres today extended their Player Development Contract (PDC) with Single-A Fort Wayne of the Midwest League for two years through the 2010 season.
“The Padres organization is honored and excited to renew our agreement with the city of Fort Wayne and Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter and his staff.” Grady Fuson said. “With the anticipation of the new stadium nearing, this will be a tremendous environment for our players and staff. Fort Wayne and the Padres have been a family since 1999, and we will continue this treasured relationship and the challenge of bringing championship-caliber baseball to the city of Fort Wayne. “
Since becoming the Midwest League affiliate of the Padres in 1999, the Wizards have compiled a 652-712 (.478) record over parts of 10 seasons, including a 62-58 (.516) overall mark in 2008. The Wizards have advanced to the playoffs five times during that span. Additionally, the Sports Business Journal ranked Fort Wayne as the #1 Minor League City in a 2007 poll and the Wizards will move into their new home in downtown Fort Wayne, Harrison Square Ballpark, in 2009.
Current Padres who have played for the Wizards include right-handed pitcher Jake Peavy (2000), catchers Luke Carlin (2003-04) and Nick Hundley (2005-06), and outfielder Chase Headley (2005).
“I am excited that we will continue our relationship with Fort Wayne, and am proud that the Padres will be the organization that opens the Wizards new downtown ballpark,†Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers said. “None of this would have been possible without the efforts of Mike Nutter and his staff, and I hope to bring a Midwest League Championship to Fort Wayne soon.â€
The source for the above is MadFriars.com. It should be noted that current Major Leaguers who were Wizards that were not included in the release include Torii Hunter, LaTroy Hawkins, Michale Cuddyer, Oliver Perez, Jose (Javier) Velentin, A.J. Pierzynski, Chad Moeller, Luis Rivas, Juan Rincon, Joakim Soria and Leo Rosales. However, all those players are currently with other organizations or came up when the Wizards were a Minnesota Twins affiliate. There are a host of others (67 in total) who have appeared at the MLB level. Many have played and are currently still working toward everyday status at Triple-A.
More coverage:
- What’s Going Down(Town)
- Journal Gazette
- Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
- Fort Wayne Wizards
- Friar John
Topics: Wizards |
August 12th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
A poor choice for the second time.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
As much as I would like to have them link up with someone closer to home, it was probably a good decision. Within the Midwest League, there were no teams with a PDC that expires in 2008 that is any closer (Texas, Arizona, LA, Oakland, Arizona and Seattle). The new deal is only through 2010. Of the current PDC’s, there are many closer to home that expore in 2010. Presumably, Minnesota, Kansas City, LAA, Toronto, St. Louis and Detroit will be expireing. Sorry Cubs fans, Peoria has them locked up through 2012.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Speaking from a “baseball” perspective, San Diego just hasn’t done it for me - we simply haven’t had what I call success with them - 5 playoff appearances, but if you have a great team in the 1st half and then you suck in the 2nd half it doesn’t help (I don’t particularly agree with the Midwest League on this one, but that’s for another day).
However, from a business perspective - the Padres obviously must be offering a good packing if Nutter continually wants to re-sign with them
August 13th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Oh and one more thing, all the deals would have expired in 2010 - no matter who we signed with because you can only sign a 2 year deal.
But if they are interested in getting a local team, it might be a good idea to stick with the status quo for 2 more years instead of jumping ship twice.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:34 am
True and True. Plus, I gotta think with it being a two-year deal, we’re going to see some of the bigger name talent come through the Fort that we haven’t seen in years past.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
The best move for the Wizards was to re-up with the Padres. No other teams at this level of ball or region of the country were available. We can argue on-field achievements of the Wizards since the Padres took over but the off-the-field relationship is a healthy one. The Padres are excited about this new ballpark and Nutter and his staff’s stability. The Wizards are happy with the Padres’ willingness to give back to community. So, wait two years, get settled into the ballpark and when the freshness of the field wears off, then consider what’s best to bring a winning/regional club to Fort Wayne.