VIERA, Fla. -- The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that they are extending their player development contract (PDC) with the Brevard County Manatees of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League through the 2014 season.

"General Manager Kyle Smith and his front office have made the Manatees a great stepping stone for our Major League hopefuls," said Reid Nichols, Brewers Special Assistant to the General Manager/Director of Player Development/Training Center. "This is a working relationship that we hope to continue for many years."

The Manatees, located in Viera, Fla., are owned and operated by Central Florida Baseball Group, LLC. Brevard County has had a PDC with Milwaukee since 2005. Previously, the Manatees were affiliated with the Florida Marlins from 1994-2001 and the Montreal Expos from 2002-2004.

"The Manatees are very pleased to continue their PDC with a first class organization like the Milwaukee Brewers," said Brevard County Manatees General Manager Kyle Smith. "The way the Brewers' front office treats their players, coaches and affiliates is unparalleled."

A total of 27 players have made a stop at Brevard County on their way to up through the Brewers' minor league ranks before reaching the Major Leagues with the Brewers.

Seven of those players -- RHP John Axford (2008-09), RHP Tim Dillard (2005), RHP Yovani Gallardo (2006), 1B Mat Gamel (2007, 2010), C Jonathan Lucroy (2008), LHP Manny Parra (2006) and 2011 National League MVP LF Ryan Braun (2006) -- were on Milwaukee's 2012 Opening Day roster.

For more information on the Brevard County Manatees, call (321) 633-9200 or go online to ManateesBaseball.com. Also, don't forget to like the Manatees on Facebook at facebook.com/manateesbaseball or follow the Manatees on Twitter at twitter.com/bcmanatees.