Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have added a ninth minor league affiliate to their development system, partnering with Bristol of the Appalachian League.
The advanced rookie league in Bristol, Va., will give the Pirates their first Appalachian League team since 1989.
"We are looking forward to expanding our development system into the Appalachian League as well as beginning a new relationship with the fans and staff in Bristol, Va.," said Pirates minor league operations director Larry Broadway in a statement. "As we continue to invest in the draft and Latin America, the addition of an advanced Rookie League team provides us another opportunity to maximize the development time of every player who enters into our system."
The Pirates' eight minor league affiliates combined for a record of 444-394 with five postseason appearances in 2013.
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