The Washington Nationals changed their affiliation lineup on the short-season level by moving from the Vermont Lake Monsters to the Auburn Doubledays for the 2011-2012 seasons.
“We are delighted to add Auburn to the Nationals’ family,” said Nationals President Stan Kasten. “This agreement again narrows the footprint of our Minor League system, and starting next summer, Auburn and the Doubledays’ fan base will get their first glimpse at the rewards reaped from both our scouting and player development systems.”
The Nationals have again compacted the geographical footprint of its affiliates. By partnering with Auburn, the Nationals’ NY-P League affiliate is now closer to the nation’s capital and just 35 miles west of Syracuse, the Nationals’ Triple-A International League affiliate.
“We are excited to join the Nationals’ family of affiliates,” said Doubledays CEO Tom Ganey. “We look forward to working with the Minor League staff in Washington and once again teaming up with our neighbors in Syracuse to develop the next generation of Major League players.”
For the Nats, the move means a slight upgrade in facilities — Falcon Park is regarded as having better player facilities than does Centennial Field, the home of the Lake Monsters — and a better location.
The move leaves Oakland and Florida as the only two teams lacking a short-season affiliate; the only two teams on the market are in the NY-Penn League: Jamestown and Vermont.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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