The New York Mets completed the Triple-A affiliation shuffle tonight, announcing during their game against the Phillies in Citi Field that they have signed a new player development contract with the Las Vegas 51s.
In the wake of the Mets' announcement, sources told The News that the Bisons will announce a two-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow. Bisons General Manager Mike Buczkowski said tonight the team will announce details of its new PDC tomorrow and declined further comment until that announcement is made.
The Bisons and Blue Jays will hold a gala press conference to announce the affiliation later this week, most likely Friday, in Coca-Cola Field. Bisons operators Bob and Mindy Rich will be on hand, as well as members of the Blue Jays' front office and other ambassadors of the parent club.
In other news tonight, the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting the Mets will not retain Bisons pitching coach Mark Brewer for their Las Vegas staff next season. Brewer had an up-and-down year directing a Bisons staff that posted a 3.99 ERA and was eighth in the International League. He had clear success stories like Matt Harvey and Josh Edgin but didn't have similar success with prospects such as Jeurys Famila and Jenrry Mejia.
Still, Brewer has been highly regarded by the Mets and is clearly a victim of philosophical differences with the Mets front office. There's no word on the status of manager Wally Backman, although both Mets and Bisons officials felt he did a good job this season despite the teams' numerous transactions.
Backman is known to be wary of the travel involved in the Pacific Coast League and is likely not interested in going to Vegas. He may pursue another job with the Mets or look to other organizations.
---Mike Harrington
Twitter: BNHarrington
