The Beloit Snappers got some bad news this week: it is being reported that the Oakland A's are ending their affiliation with Beloit and switching its Class A team to Vancouver. This is part of a wider movement to reorganize the minor leagues this off season, making major league teams' farm systems more regional and eliminating approximately 40 affiliates.

Which puts the Snappers in a tough spot, even as they plan to open up a brand new stadium next season. Out of all the major league teams from the midwest, most already have a Class A team in the Snappers' Midwest League:

Milwaukee Brewers: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Chicago Cubs: South Bend Cubs
Minnesota Twins: Cedar Rapids Kernels
St. Louis Cardinals: Peoria Chiefs
Detroit Tigers: West Michigan Whitecaps
Cleveland Indians: Lake County Captains
Cincinnati Reds: Dayton Dragons

Assuming those affiliations don't change (nothing can really be assumed this offseason) that leaves only two MLB teams from the midwest who could potentially work for Beloit: the Chicago White Sox or Kansas City Royals. If something can't be worked out with one of those teams or another MLB organization, Beloit could unfortunately end up being one of the 40 teams losing their major league affiliation this year.

Which is sad of course... but is important to note does not mean the Beloit Snappers will not have a team next season. There's still independent leagues the Snappers could join, like the American Association (where the Milwaukee Milkmen and Chicago Dogs play) or the Frontier League (which used to be home for the Rockford RiverHawks and Rockford Aviators). Another option is the Northwoods League for college all-stars (which has the Madison Mallards and Rockford Rivets). Not as cool as being an official major league affiliate, but better than nothing!

Wish we had better news to report, but it is what it is. This remains a critical time in the Beloit Snappers history, important for all of us to stay informed and stay engaged!