The State College Spikes made good on their threat to change affiliations if they didn't get more wins, and they've signed a new deal with the Cardinals. That leaves the Pirates without a Class A- affiliate. Rob Biertempfel mentions that Jamestown or Batavia might be possibilities, but these might just be short-term fixes, because of the possibility that a new NY-Penn League team will be established in Morgantown. If in fact one does get started, it would make sense for the Pirates to just move there.

I'm sure we'll hear from some quarters that State College's decision reflects poorly on the Pirates, but it really doesn't. From the perspective of a major-league franchise, the purpose of minor-league affiliates is to develop prospects, not to accumulate wins. State College (understandably) wanted wins, so the Spikes will hope the Cardinals can provide them.