The Clinton Lumber Kings and the Seattle Mariners will continue to work together for another two years. This week, the two teams extended their affiliation agreement through the 2018 season.
Clinton general manager Ted Tornow says he had a great relationship with the parent, major league team until two years ago when a whole new staff took over in Seattle.
"'14 and '15 were pretty dry, pretty bland baseball for our fans. We're used to a better brand of baseball. Even though we know these kids are young, they played with no passion the last couple of years. And the Mariners gave us some kids this year who know how to play baseball and coaches who know how to get the most out of these players."
Up until two years ago, the Lumber Kings had advanced to the Midwest League playoffs in five of the previous eight seasons.
And thanks to their second place finish in the first half of this season, Tornow says Clinton has qualified for the playoffs, and next week will face Peoria in the first round.