Cubs confirm Kane County as Class A affiliate - Fox 2 News Headlines

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs on Wednesday confirmed that the Kane County Cougars have become their Class A affiliate, marking an end to their relationship with the Peoria Chiefs.
 
   Both the Cubs and the Cougars, who play outside Geneva in northern Illinois, said they have a two-year deal.
 
   Earlier Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals announced they signed an agreement to make the Peoria club their Class A affiliate through 2016.
 
   There had been reports in recent weeks the Cubs were making the move, but neither team would confirm the information.
 
   Cubs President Theo Epstein said the move was made because he believes in having as many affiliates as possible near the home city.
 
   "It just creates a lot of efficiencies with rehabs, and allows front office and staff to see the team play a little bit more often," he said. "I hope it can be a win-win. I want to thank Peoria for everything they did for us. That was a great relationship too."
 
   Kane County had been part of the Kansas City Royals system.
 
   Cougars general manager Curtis Haug said the decision to change affiliation was not an easy one after the two-year relationship with the Royals.
 
   "We are extremely excited about our new relationship with the Chicago Cubs," said Haug. "We believe that the Cubs organization and their philosophies about the minor leagues, including scouting, player development, and involvement in the community, are a fantastic fit for our franchise."
 
   Cougar officials say the agreement with the Cubs does not affect the ownership, management or front office staff of the team, which began operations in 1991.
 
   Also on Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals announced they signed an agreement to make the Peoria club their Class A affiliate through 2016.
 
   Cardinals Senior General Manager John Mozeliak said in a statement the deal with the Chiefs will give St. Louis better presence in an area with many Cardinals fans.
 
   The Chiefs were a Cardinals minor league affiliate from 1995-2004 and for several years in the 1950s. Yadier Molina is among a handful of current Cardinals who played in Peoria.

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