MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Padres today extended their Player Development Contract with Triple-A Portland of the Pacific Coast League for two years through the 2010 season. Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Grady Fuson made the announcement.
"The Padres are excited about our continued agreement with the Portland Beavers,” Fuson said. “With Merritt Paulson and his staff, we know we have a great partner in the Portland franchise. The player and staff experience in Portland is a vital part of the growth process to the Major Leagues, and is a perfect fit for the Padres organization.”

The Beavers have been the Padres Triple-A affiliate since 2001, compiling a 561-584 (.490) record over parts of eight seasons with a playoff appearance in 2004. Portland is 69-70 (.496) this season, in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s North Division. The Beavers downtown Portland home, PGE Park, will host the 2009 Cricket Wireless Triple-A All-Star Game.
Current Padres who have played for the Beavers include right-handed pitchers Mike Adams, Brian Falkenborg, Dirk Hayhurst, Clay Hensley, Chad Reineke and Tim Stauffer (disabled list); left-handers Shawn Estes (disabled list), Justin Hampson and Wil Ledezma; catcher Nick Hundley; infielders Edgar Gonzalez, Khalil Greene (disabled list) and Luis Rodriguez; and outfielders Jody Gerut and Chase Headley.
“We look forward to continuing our association with Merritt Paulson and the entire Portland Beavers organization for the next two years,” Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers said. “As the final stepping stone before they enter into the Major Leagues, several of our players have reaped the benefits of the great facility and staff in Portland.”

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