Los Angeles Angels Extend Player Development Contract with Orem Owlz through 2012

Three-time Pioneer League Champion will continue as Angels' rookie affiliate

12/13/2007, ANAHEIM -- Angels Baseball Thursday announced an extension of the teams' Player Development Contract with the 2007 Pioneer League Champion Orem Owlz through the 2012 season. The previous agreement was set to expire after the 2010 season. The announcement was made jointly by the Los Angeles Angels' Director of Player Development Abe Flores and the Owlz' General Manager Aaron Wells.

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"We are pleased to reach this long-term extension and that the Orem Owlz Baseball Club will be an Angels' affiliate through the 2012 season," said Flores. "The Angels believe the Orem franchise is the 'crown jewel' of the Pioneer League and we value our strong relationship with the Owlz' ownership, front office and their special group of supportive fans. The Angels look forward to more success in Orem, both on and off the field, in the years to come."

The Utah-based Owlz have been the Angels' Pioneer League affiliate since 2001 and, under the direction of longtime Angels manager Tom Kotchman, have qualified for the playoffs each season, winning three league titles and six divisional crowns. Kotchman is beginning his 25th season overall in the Angels' organization and is the winningest active manager in Minor League baseball.

"We are excited about furthering our relationship with the Angels," said Wells. "They continually prove to be an organization committed to quality players on and off the field. That commitment has resulted in success at the Major League level and we are pleased that success starts here in Orem."

Several current Angels' have played in Orem, most recently Casey Kotchman, Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis and Reggie Willits as well as 40-man roster players such as Brandon Wood, Jose Arredondo, Nick Green and Sean Rodriguez.

Source: MLB