Marlins signing on with Jacksonville

MIAMI -- The Marlins will have a new Double-A home beginning in 2009. The organization announced Thursday that it will move its operations to Jacksonville through the 2010 season.

From 2003-2008, the Marlins have been in Zebulon, N.C., as the Carolina Mudcats.

The new affiliate is the Jacksonville Suns, which had been the Double-A club of the Dodgers since 2001.

"The Florida Marlins are very pleased to begin a partnership with the Jacksonville Suns," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' vice president of player development and scouting. "With its first-class facility, loyal fan base and regional proximity to our Major League team, the Suns are a natural and exciting player-development partner. We are proud of this new affiliation and look forward to establishing a productive relationship for many years to come."

The 2008 Carolina Mudcats advanced to the Southern League championship, losing to the Mississippi Braves in the fifth and decisive game.

The team has yet to announced the status of its Triple-A affiliate. The Albuquerque Isotopes have been the team's Triple-A squad, but that is about to change as the Marlins are expected to move their affiliate to New Orleans next year.