Red Sox affiliate with JetHawks
Lancaster, a member of the California League since 1996, replaces Wilmington of the Carolina League as Boston's Advanced Class A affiliate.
"The Red Sox look forward to working with owner Peter Carfagna and his staff to bring a top quality ballclub to Lancaster," commented Boston's director of player development Mike Hazen. "Three of our six minor league farm clubs advanced to post-season play in 2006, including our High A team, and we will be working diligently to ensure continued success in 2007."
"This is very exciting for the JetHawks and the Antelope Valley," said Carfagna, whose team had been affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the past six seasons. "The Red Sox are one of the most popular teams in all of baseball and have a nationwide fan base. The Red Sox front office has dedicated itself to building through its minor league system, and we are confident we will see some of the top prospects in the country come through Lancaster in the next two seasons."
The Red Sox previously had an affiliate in the California League from 1947-55, when the San Jose Red Sox played in what was then a Class C League. Boston had been affiliated with Wilmington the last two seasons after previously being in the Florida State League.
Lancaster, which plays its games at Clear Channel Stadium, was affiliated with the Seattle Mariners from 1996-2000 before signing with Arizona.