More PDC extension news

The Chicago Cubs and the Eugene Emeralds (A Short Season, Northwest League) have extended their Player Development Contract with two years. Now the contract runs through the 2018 season.
It is not the first time that the Cubs and the Emeralds joined forces. In the 1999 and 2000 seasons, both clubs teamed up as well. After 2000, the Cubs signed a contract with the Boise Hawks and stayed with that club for fourteen years. The new affiliation with the Eugene Emeralds started in 2015. Previous to the 2015 season, the Emeralds were the A Short Season affiliate of the San Diego Padres. That affiliation ran from 2001 through 2014.

As usual both parties shared the common courtesies as Cubs Senior Vice President, Scouting and Player Development Jason McCleod stated the following: “From first-class facilities to a dedicated front office staff, the Eugene ballclub has proved to be an outstanding partner for the Cubs organization, and we are pleased to extend this agreement. We thank Allan Benavides and the entire Emeralds front office for providing a positive experience for our players who have come through Eugene.”

“The Ems are thrilled to see our PDC extended thru 2018. The Cubs continue to be strong contenders at every level of professional baseball, and we are honored to have Eugene be the launching point for a new generation of Cubs players. The support and camaraderie we’ve received from Jason McLeod, Jaron Madison and the Cubs Front Office has been top notch. It’s a privilege to be a member of the Cubs Family and we are very excited for the future,” said ” Emeralds General ManagerAllan Benavides.

The Emeralds started the 2016 season yesterday with a 6-1 win over the Boise Hawks in their (the Ems) home opener.