<
>

M's extend Tacoma deal through 2014

TACOMA, Wash. -- Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League will remain the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A farm club through at least the 2014 season.

Tacoma announced a four-year extension of the player-development contract on Tuesday. The minor league club says the deal is one of the few four-year affiliations in baseball.

Team president Aaron Artman says Tacoma is excited to continue its partnership with Seattle while playing in what will be a renovated Cheney Stadium in 2011. Artman says the Mariners have helped to ensure the $30 million renovation -- the first major remodel of the stadium in 51 years.

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik says he values the convenience of the Triple-A team being so close to Seattle.

Tacoma has been affiliated with the Mariners since 1995.