Astros, RedHawks extend player development deal

HOUSTON -- The Astros announced Tuesday they had extended their player development contract with the Triple-A Oklahoma City of the Pacific Coast League by two years, through the 2014 season.

"We are excited to continue our relationship with Oklahoma City and the RedHawks for another two years," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "The facility is first rate and the environment is excellent for the highest level of Minor League baseball. Our prospects benefit from playing there."

Oklahoma City finished this season with a 78-65 record and a second-place finish in the American Southern Division of the PCL. The club was in the playoff race until the final days of the regular season before finishing 1 1/2 games behind Albuquerque, a major improvement over the 2011 season, when Oklahoma City finished 68-75.

"We are very happy to continue our relationship with the Houston Astros," RedHawks president and general manager Michael Byrnes said. "The Astros are in the middle of a new and exciting chapter in their franchise's storied history, and we're proud to be a part of it."

While the 2013 season will be the third year of the partnership, Houston and Oklahoma City have a long history together. The Astros were the original Major League Baseball affiliate of the Oklahoma City Triple-A franchise from 1962-72.