Brewers, Helena finalize four-year extension

CHICAGO -- The Brewers on Thursday announced a four-year extension of their player development contract with Rookie level Helena of the picturesque Pioneer League, running through 2018.

Helena's association with the Brewers dates back to 1985 and includes two stints -- from '85-2000 and 2003-present.

"Our affiliation with the Helena Brewers has been very positive, and we're excited to extend our player development contract with the franchise," Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said in a statement. "Many players on our big league roster started their professional careers at Helena, where they developed and honed their skills to play at the Major League level."

Still to be determined is the Brewers' future with two other affiliates. Triple-A Nashville and Double-A Huntsville are each entering the final weeks of PDC with the Brewers and are scheduled to move into new stadiums as early as next season, with Huntsville moving to Biloxi, Miss.