Colorado Rockies Extend Contract With Tri-City Dust Devils

Due to successful development of players, fan support and a good relationship with the Colorado Rockies, team owners recently announced they have extended their Player Development Contract with the Dust Devils through 2014.

That means for at least two more seasons Tri-Cities will continue to be a proud affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. The Dust Devils began their relationship with their National League parent club in 2001.

Minor league teams walk a challenging line between winning and player development. While, of course, you want the club to be successful, the major-league parent club wants the players to sharpen their skills and get prepared to move up the ladder in their organization. Numerous former Dust Devils have made it to "The Show,"  including pitcher Jeff Francis, outfielder Charlie Blackmon and bullpen leaders Rex Brothers and Matt Reynolds. Eight former Dust Devils were on the Rockies 40-man roster this summer.

Jeff Bridich, the Rockies' senior director of player development said,

"We are extremely excited to continue to develop players and staff members in the Tri-Cities... Pasco has been a place we can send our younger players and know they'll be taken care of as they begin their professional careers."

The Rockies also looked at fan support and how well the players are treated by, and interact with, the community. The criteria also includes the condition of the stadium and fields plus the overall commitment from the region. In these areas, the Dust Devils have been among the league leaders. Tri-Cities just broke their single-season and single-game attendance records again this season.