Minnesota Twins Severing Ties With New Britain

Apr 10, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a baseball on the field during pre game batting practice before a game between the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Per Rhett Bollinger, Twins beat writer for MLB.com, the Minnesota Twins have severed their ties with the New Britain Rock Cats over uncertainty over the franchise’s rumored move to Hartford, Connecticut.  The Twins now have until September 30th to find a new Double-A affiliate.  Bollinger reported that minor league franchises in Chattanooga, Mobile, and Tulsa are possibilities, as well as returning to New Britain.  Should the Twins choose to not return the Rock Cats, it will end a 20 year partnership between the Minnesota Twins and New Britain.

As reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Ryan was non-committal about not returning to New Britain, “We ended up severing. I’m not going to deny. Yeah, we severed, but that doesn’t mean anything. I wouldn’t read too much into that,”  However,  due to the uncertainty of the status of the franchise, Ryan maybe now on the hunt for a new Double-A affiliate.

There is an excellent story by the New York Times detailing the potential move of the Rock Cat franchise to Hartford (click here).

Should Ryan look elsewhere for a Double-A affiliate, he will find multiple uncommitted franchises in the Southern League (Chattanooga, Mobile, Jackson, & Biloxi) as well as two uncommitted franchises in the Texas League (Tulsa & Midland).

As of right now, nothing has been settled.  Stay tuned for updates…