PRESS RELEASE – The Tulsa Drillers and the Colorado Rockies have announced that they have extended their Player Development Contract for an additional four years. The new agreement between the two organizations means the Drillers will continue to operate as the Double A affiliate of the Rockies until at least through the 2014 baseball season.
“The Drillers are extremely pleased to be able to continue our affiliation with the Colorado Rockies,” said Drillers President Chuck Lamson. “We joined their organization at the right time in terms of their focus on player development, and we have seen many great players come through Tulsa on their way to the major leagues. The Rockies player development staff has provided a very positive working relationship with us, while balancing the development of players with the building of competitive teams. We look forward to four more productive years as part of their organization.”
“The Colorado Rockies are very proud to continue the partnership with such a great organization,” said Rockies Senior Director of Player Development Marc Gustafson. “The fans and community have embraced our players and staff as one of their own, and it will be an honor and privilege to be associated with the Tulsa Drillers for years to come.”
The Drillers became the Double A affiliate of the Rockies in September of 2002, with this year marking the eight season of the partnership. In the seven previous seasons as a Rockies’ affiliate, the Drillers have suffered only one losing season. Three times in that span Tulsa has finished with the best overall record in its division and has qualified for the Texas League playoffs on four different occasions.
A number of current major league stars have played for the Drillers during the eight seasons, including 2010 All-Stars Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki. Other former Drillers from the Rockies’ era that are currently in the majors include Jeff Francis, Dexter Fowler, Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith, Ian Stewart, Many Corpas, Chris Iannetta and Brad Hawpe.
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