Padres extend player-development contract with Class A Lake Elsinore

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The San Diego Padres announced today that they have extended their Player Development Contract with Single-A Lake Elsinore of the California League for two years through the 2014 season.  Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

            “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the Lake Elsinore Storm for another two seasons,” said Byrnes.  “From Gary Jacobs to Dave Oster and Chris Jones, there is no question the Storm is one of the finest run organizations in minor league baseball.  To have The Diamond located right outside San Diego is a perfect fit for our organization and our fans.”

            The Storm has posted a winning record in nine of the last 11 seasons since becoming the Padres affiliate in 2001.  Over that span, the club has posted an overall record of 821-716 (.534). Highlighting the clubs’ partnership have been two California League Championships, including winning the title last season.  The 2011 league championship was the Storm’s first since sharing the title in its first year with the Padres in 2001, also garnering Baseball America’s Team of the Year honors that season.           

            “I am extremely excited we are continuing our partnership with the Storm for at least another two seasons,” said Padres Vice President, Player Development and International Scouting Randy Smith. “We have had a successful 12-year relationship thus far with the winning tradition instilled in Lake Elsinore an invaluable asset to the development of our players.”

Since becoming a Padres affiliate, 46 former Storm players have reached the Major Leagues and made their Big League debuts with San Diego. Of the players on the Padres current active roster, five were originally signed by San Diego and made their way to the Majors through Lake Elsinore. The list includes Anthony Bass (60-day disabled list), Kyle Blanks (60-day disabled list), Brad Brach, James Darnell (60-day disabled list), Logan Forsythe, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley (15-day disabled list), Cory Luebke (60-day disabled list), Miles Mikolas and Tim Stauffer (60-day disabled list).  Also making their way through Lake Elsinore are three members of the Padres current coaching staff with Pitching Coach Darren Balsley (2001), Bench Coach Rick Renteria (2004-06) and Hitting Coach Phil Plantier (2011).