The Colorado Rockies announced they have ended their Triple-A affiliation with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and have signed a four year deal with the Albuquerque Isotopes.

The announcement was made at a news conference in Albuquerque on Wednesday between Rockies senior director of player development Jeff Bridich and Isotopes President Ken Young.

"We are thrilled to solidify our relationship with the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Albuquerque community and their baseball fans," said Bridich.   "From a development perspective, we are excited that our players will train and play in a first-class facility that is managed by a group of first-class people who are committed to providing a great experience for our players."

The Sky Sox had served as the Rockies Triple-A affiliate since the Rockies first season in 1993.  Issues related to the building of a new stadium in Colorado Springs to replace the 26 year old Security Service field have been a concern for the Rockies in recent years.  The stadium lacks the facilities that Major League teams desire for their minor league players.

"We are certainly disappointed that the Rockies have decided to end that relationship," said the Sky Sox in a released statement.  " But we respect their right to do what they feel is best for their organization."

The Isotopes built the $25 million Isotopes Park in 2003 and it is considered to be one of the better ballparks in the minors.  It has a seating capacity of 11,124 with up-to-date facilities for the players and fans.

The Rockies got to know the Isotopes ownership after exhibition games in 2005 and 2010 at Isotopes Park.  The Los Angeles Dodgers, who were affiliated with the Isotopes since 2009, announced the purchase of the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks on Wednesday.  The Rockies wasted no time in moving to sign the four-year deal to make the move to Albuquerque. 

"The Rockies are a class organization and are a natural geographic fit for us," said Young. "We have known them for several years and think quite highly of the people with whom we will be working. Denver is a short flight or a quick drive from Albuquerque, and our fans will easily be able to travel to see our major-league club. The Rockies will have a big presence in Albuquerque and we look forward to helping them establish their brand in this market.

"We look at this as a long-term relationship.  This is the start of a new era.”

The Rockies also announced that they signed a deal with the New Britain Rock Cats of the Eastern League to be their Double-A affiliate.  The switch to a franchise in Connecticut was necessitated following the announcement that the Rockies former Double-A affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers, had signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers.

This will be the second time that the Rockies have had a Double-A team in Connecticut.  The Rockies were affiliated with New Haven from 1994-1998.

Notes:  

Are you scratching your head wondering where you have heard of a minor league baseball team called the Isotopes before?  The name came from an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Hungry,Hungry Homer."  Originally aired on March 4, 2001, the episode dealt with Homer Simpsons' attempt to keep the Springfield Isotopes from moving to Albuquerque.  The Calgary Cannons moved to Albuquerque in 2003 and a contest was held to name the team.  Isotopes received the vast majority of votes cast in the Albuquerque Tribune contest.  Statues of the Simpsons were erected at Isotopes Park.

The Sky Sox signed a two year deal on Thursday to become the Triple-A affiliate for the Milwaukee Brewers.