NEW YORK -- The logistical issues of having their top farm team on the other side of the country will continue to affect the Mets for at least the next two seasons. The organization announced on Tuesday it has extended its player-development deal with Triple-A Las Vegas through 2018, continuing what has been a long-distance relationship.
In addition to the logistical issues of having their top affiliate 2,500 miles from home, the Mets struggle with evaluation, given the inflated offensive environment at Las Vegas. But in a statement, general manager Sandy Alderson said he was "excited" to continue the relationship, while the 51s are thrilled to keep the Mets.
"The Mets have been a great affiliate for us in Las Vegas over the past four seasons," 51s president Don Logan said. "They have a tremendous farm system, and the fans in Las Vegas have seen many of the Mets' young stars play here at Cashman Field. Also, having Wally Backman as our manager over the past four years has been an added bonus."
Though the Mets have talked internally about moving their Triple-A team back to the International League at some point, the proper opportunity has not surfaced. Instead, the Mets will remain in Vegas, in a situation that frequently forces them to send players across the country on red-eye flights.
"Anytime your Triple-A team's across the country, it's tough to get players here," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "The only thing that's good about it, there's enough flights out of Vegas late at night. They are the red-eyes, but they still get them here the next day. But that situation is what it is. I don't have anything else to say except we hope those flights keep going."