Nationals agree to 2 year deal with Auburn

Last week, the Toronto Blue Jays ended their 10 year affiliation with the Auburn Doubledays in order to go to Vancouver of the Short Season (A) Northwest League.  Tonight, the Nationals/Expos have ended their 17 year relationship with Vermont.

This evening, the Washington Nationals and Auburn Doubledays have announced the signing of a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC), which will cover the 2011 and 2012 seasons.  According to Ben Gossling of MASN Sports, the 35 mile distance between AAA Syracuse and Short Season A Auburn will make it easier for the scouts to travel between the affiliates.

Nationals Press Release:

"We are delighted to add Auburn to the Nationals' family," said Kasten. "This agreement again narrows the footprint of our Minor League system, and starting next summer, Auburn and the Doubledays' fan base will get their first glimpse at the rewards reaped from both our scouting and player development systems."

The Nationals have again compacted the geographical footprint of its affiliates. By partnering with Auburn, the Nationals' NY-P League affiliate is now closer to the nation's capital and just 35 miles west of Syracuse, the Nationals' Triple-A International League affiliate.

Looking at Baseball America's PDC Chart, there are expiring Short Season A-Contracts at Aberdeen, Jamestown, and Vermont of the NYPL, and Yakima of the Northwest League. The teams without a deal are Baltimore, Florida, Oakland, and Arizona. Most people expect the Orioles and Marlins to sign with Aberdeen and Jamestown respectively. The same is true for Arizona and Yakima, which would send the A's to Burlington.

It appears that scout travel distance does not mean as much to the A's as it does to the Nationals.