Rays extend contract with Double A Montgomery

Posted Sep 2, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Sep 2, 2010 at 08:21 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Montgomery Biscuits (AA, Southern League) have extended their player development contract (PDC) for four more years, effective through the 2014 season.

“We’re extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Rays,” said Biscuits Co-Owner Tom Dickson. “We’re proud to be affiliated with one of the finest organizations in all of baseball, and look forward to hosting some of its fine young talent for at least another four seasons.”

“We are proud to be partners with the Biscuits in developing our young players,” said Rays Director of Minor League Operations Mitch Lukevics.  “Many of our current major leaguers have called Montgomery home over the past seven years, and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”

Of the more than 200 players to play for the Biscuits in their seven seasons of existence, 36 have reached the major leagues with Tampa Bay.

The Rays roster currently has 11 former Biscuits including a pair of 2010 All-Stars, third baseman Evan Longoria and left-handed pitcher David Price, and two Biscuits standouts from 2009 who were promoted on Wednesday, right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and outfielder Desmond Jennings.

The Biscuits won back-to-back Southern League Championships as a Rays affiliate in 2006 and 2007.

“While growing the Biscuits brand, we’ve continued to grow the Rays brand in our region as well,” added Biscuits General Manager and President Greg Rauch.  “This has become a Rays region, and we’re following them in their quest for an American League pennant.”