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Quakes, Dodgers sign two-year deal

Rancho Cucamonga leaves Angels for National League rivals
September 28, 2010
NEW YORK -- The Los Angeles Dodgers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes announced on Tuesday the signing of a two-year player development contract that will make the Quakes the Dodgers' affiliate in the Class A Advanced California League for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

"We feel like the move to Rancho not only brings our High A partner closer to Dodger Stadium, but is a strong fit for our organizational goals," Dodgers Assistant General Manager De Jon Watson said in a press release. "We're excited to partner with Brett Sports and look forward to a long-lasting relationship."

The two clubs will hold a public celebration featuring Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda and other Dodgers personalities on Oct. 5 at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga.

The Dodgers has previously been aligned with Inland Empire, a team that got additional attention the last two summers when Manny Ramirez began his rehab assignments. The 66ers and Bakersfield Blaze are the last two Cal League teams in need of a parent club, with the Angels and Reds the likely suitors.

The 2011 season will be the Quakes' 19th year playing in Rancho Cucamonga, which is located 46 miles east of Dodger Stadium. Rancho Cucamonga has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons and won its only California League title in 1994. The franchise is owned by Brett Sports, which is led by Hall of Famer George Brett and his brothers, Bobby and John, and had been previously affiliated with the Angels from 2001-2010.

"The Dodgers are one of the most prestigious teams in all of sports and we are excited to begin our partnership with them in Rancho Cucamonga," said Quakes managing partner Bobby Brett.

The Dodgers have enjoyed a Cal League affiliate for all but six years (2001-2006) since 1963 with teams in San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Lodi and Santa Barbara. Los Angeles' previous affiliate was the San Bernadino-based Inland Empire 66ers, from 2007-10.

The agreement with Rancho Cucamonga finalizes the Dodgers' seven affiliates for the 2011 season to include Triple-A Albuquerque, Double-A Chattanooga, Class A Great Lakes, Class A Short-Season Ogden and two Rookie-level clubs in Glendale, Ariz., and Santo Domingo.