Padres extend player development contract with Triple-A El Paso through the 2016 season

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Padres today announced they have extended their player development contract with Triple-A El Paso of the Pacific Coast League for two years through the 2016 season. Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller made the announcement.

"Triple-A is an important level in the development of our players, and we are fortunate to have a great partnership with the El Paso club," said Preller. "The Chihuahuas have created a special atmosphere at their new ballpark that makes for a unique game experience. We are looking forward to continuing our affiliation and building on a successful first year in El Paso."

The El Paso club recently wrapped up its first season in Texas, finishing with a 72-72 record, in second place in the PCL Pacific Southern division. 2014 was the second year of a two-year agreement with the Triple-A affiliate, which began in Tucson, Ariz. in 2013 before the club relocated to El Paso.

"El Paso has played a key role this year in developing Padres players and preparing them for the Majors, thanks in large part to team President Alan Ledford and General Manager Brad Taylor," said Padres Vice President, Player Development Randy Smith. "We thank Chihuahuas owners Paul Foster, Alejandra de la Vega Foster, Woody Hunt and Josh Hunt, as well as the entire organization, for a great partnership. We'll continue to work closely to develop talented players to help the Major League team."

Southwest University Park, the new downtown El Paso ballpark that is home to the Chihuahuas, opened on April 28, 2014.