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Los Angeles - The Great Lakes Loons and Los Angeles Dodgers announced today an extension of the organizations’ player development contract for another two seasons, making the Loons the Single-A Midwest League partner of the Dodgers through 2010.
 
The extension was announced today during the Loons’ game against South Bend.  Prior to the game, Loons’ founder and Michigan Baseball president Bill Stavropoulos and Loons’ president and general manager Paul Barbeau met with visiting members of the Dodgers’ executive staff, including owner and chairman Frank McCourt, executive vice president for business development Jeff Ingram, general manager Ned Colletti and assistant general manager for player development De Jon Watson.

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“Our goal from a partnership perspective has always been to have continuity and competitiveness,” Barbeau said.  “We have had a great working relationship with the Dodgers in our first two seasons.  Our players have been active in the Mid-Michigan community, and our association with the Dodgers’ brand – which has such a rich tradition of history and excellence – has provided additional recognition and exposure to our franchise.”
 
The Loons have a 107-161 (.399) record in nearly two seasons as a Dodgers’ affiliate.
 
“Obviously we would like to see, and our fans would like to see, a more competitive product on the field,” Barbeau added.  “That continues to be the focus of our conversations with our colleagues within the Dodgers’ organization.  We believe, after our conversations with them, that they are going to do everything within reason to put a more competitive team on the field.”
 
The Loons have been affiliated with the Dodgers’ since the franchise began play in 2007.  On May 25, 2008, Clayton Kershaw became the first former member of the Loons to debut in the major leagues with Los Angeles.  Twenty-five former Loons are currently playing in higher levels of the Dodgers’ minor league system.
 
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Great Lakes Loons and with the Mid-Michigan region,” McCourt said. “We are extremely fortunate to have a facility like Dow Diamond for our future Dodgers.  I also want to recognize the leadership and front office staff of the Loons for their hard work and the fans who have shown tremendous support for our players.  I want assure those fans that the Dodgers are committed to increasing the quality of play on the field.”

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