Angels, Provo agree on deal through '08

The Provo Angels announced Friday an extension of their player development contract with the Anaheim Angels of Major League Baseball. The agreement will keep Provo as the Angels' rookie league affiliate through the 2008 season.

"We are pleased to announce a four-year extension of our current player development contract with the Provo Angels," Angels director of player development Tony Reagins said. "(Owners) Rob (Owens), Linda (Gach Ray) and the entire Provo organization have been terrific to work with. Moreover, the Utah Valley community has embraced Angels baseball and provided a tremendous environment that allows our young players to develop."

Said team co-owner Owens: "We are thrilled to continue working with such a great major league organization. All of the people in the Angels organization, both in the front office and on the field, are first rate. We are proud to be affiliated with them and hope to contribute to their success in any way we can."

This season will be Provo's fourth in the Pioneer League and fourth as an Angels affiliate. Provo will begin playing in the new Parkway Crossing Stadium on the UVSC campus beginning in 2005. BYU's Miller Park has been home to the Angels since the team arrived in 2001. The club has won the Pioneer League's Southern Division three years in a row.

"Permanency and stability have finally been achieved for our organization, both in terms of our long-term arrangement for a permanent home for our team in the new stadium, and a renewal of our fine partnership with Angels baseball, a class one organization," Gach Ray said. "Nothing could feel better than that."