Giants want to stay with Richmond; Squirrels make no commitment

Richmond, Va. --
The San Francisco Giants want to extend the player-development contract with the Richmond Double-A franchise, but the Flying Squirrels aren't prepared to commit at this time.

Those positions were established yesterday, when William H. Neukom, the Giants' chief executive officer, met at The Diamond with Lou DiBella, the Flying Squirrels' president and managing general partner. The player-development contract linking the Giants and the Squirrels expires at the end of this season.

"It is a long way from Richmond to [Triple-A] Fresno, [Class A] San Jose and San Francisco," Neukom said, speaking of other Giants' farm clubs. "But the most important thing to us is that we have an affiliation with a well-managed franchise in a community that -- if we play good baseball, and if we become a part of that community -- will support us.

"We will always keep our eyes open for locations, but I think it is fair to say that we think both the community of Richmond and the management and ownership of the franchise have been positive for us."

The Giants' preference would be to remain affiliated with the Richmond franchise, Neukom said. "We're not down to short strokes yet," he added, speaking of additional discussions that will take place.

DiBella said the talks he had with Neukom yesterday involved "How are we doing by you, and how are you doing by us?" He categorized the meeting as "very positive and productive. I think the Giants are very happy with what's happening here."

Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten visited The Diamond on Monday, and the Nationals' player-development contract with their Double-A affiliate, Harrisburg, also ends this season.

"I wouldn't handicap anything at all right now," DiBella said. The Giants since 2003 have been the parent club for the franchise that relocated from Connecticut to Richmond last September.

"There is an affection, and a degree of loyalty," DiBella said. "But you ultimately have to look at your business model and what's best for your success in your market. We're going to consider everything in due course."