The high Class A affiliation scene is also apparently settled, as the Mariners have re-signed with High Desert (as pointed out by BizBlog reader Jared P). Like in Clinton, the Mariners signed a two-year player-development contract through the 2010 season. That leaves the White Sox left standing, who apparently will stay in Winston-Salem.

Lancaster’s deal with the Astros is in fact for two years with an automatic two-year renewal following the 2009 season. Both the Astros or Lancaster have the option to back out of the deal before the conclusion of the ’09 season. Brad Seymour, the former Lancaster general manager who now oversees operations for both the Jet Hawks and low Class A Lake County within the Peter Carfagna ownership group, said the club was looking for some stability with its affiliation after losing the Red Sox following just a two-year relationship.

"Our first priority was wanting to create a long-term affiliation," Seymour said. "Houston immediately wanted to step up and create a long-term relationship . . . We didn’t want to become an affiliate that is a revolving door."