BURLINGTON, Vt. -- The Vermont Lake Monsters and Oakland Athletics have extended the Player Development Contract between the teams through the 2014 season, the New York-Penn League team and their Major League affiliate announced today at a Centennial Field press conference.

The Lake Monsters became an affiliate of the Oakland A's in 2011 and made the New York-Penn League playoffs for the first time since 1996 after winning the Stedler Division with a 39-35 record. 2012 was the final season of the original two-year PDC between the two teams before extending the contract for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

"From day one, our organization has been nothing by impressed with the Oakland Athletics," Lake Monsters general manager Nate Cloutier said. "The A's organization embodies everything an affiliate should be. Their player development, level of professionalism, and sense of family and community are unparalleled. The Lake Monsters organization is thrilled to extend our affiliation with the Oakland Athletics and continue to grow our relationship."

The Lake Monsters, currently in their 19th New York-Penn League season, have seen 66 former players advance to the Major Leagues. 16 of those former Vermont players have been on Major League rosters this season, including current Oakland A's Tommy Milone and Derek Norris (both played for Lake Monsters in 2008 as members of Washington Nationals organization).