A recent article in the Syracuse Post-Standard says a U.S. Senator has spoken to the Mets about setting up shop in Syracuse in 2009 and according to him, the Metropolitans are interested.
The Jays player-development contract with Syracuse expires after the 2008 as does the Mets PDC with New Orleans. Syracuse missed an opportunity to hook up with the Mets in 2006 as the team's board of directors did not forsee New York ending its long-time affiliation with Norfolk. However, it appears that the Jays will be spending their final season in Syracuse in 2008. It's been speculated that Buffalo could be the Jays future Triple-A home in 2009 if Cleveland decides it wants to have its Triple A club in Ohio as Columbus is expected to move into its new stadium. My pipe dream is to see Toronto hook up with Rochester as its deal with Minnesota is also up at the end of this season but I'm sure those two parties will extend their agreement (much to my chagrin because Frontier Field rules!) as they've had a nice run together with competitive teams and interesting prospects. Ottawa remains a slim possibility even though at last check, a independent team from the Can-Am League is expected to play in Lynx Stadium in 2008.
Along with Syracuse, the Jays PDC's are also set to expire with New Hampshire and Auburn at the end of this season while they are still joined at the hip with Lansing until 2010. Given the Jays recent success with Auburn, including their NY-Penn title of 2007, I'm more confident this affiliation will be extended. As for New Hampshire, Boston has reupped with Portland until 2012 so the Jays chances of staying in the Granite State/ Red Sox Nation are much improved. However, the Tigers have made noise in the past about wanting a Double-A team closer to Michigan which would leave Erie up for grabs. That would make it more convenient for Jays scouts and fans to follow their Double-A prospects. Regardless, 2008 will be an interesting time on the minor league scene for the Jays.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=2008011502270037