Affiliation options are plenty for Oklahoma City RedHawks

As of now, 13 teams have player development contracts (PDC) that expire following this season, including Oklahoma City and the Texas Rangers.

While some teams that have expiring deals are likely to renew their PDCs before the end of the season, Oklahoma City figures to have plenty of options.

The RedHawks are seen as an attractive commodity for several reasons:

*AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. The park is 12 years old, but it's still among the best in Triple-A.

*Oklahoma City is attractive for its central location, which would make it relatively easy to move players back and forth between the city and the big league team.

While the Houston Astros were at one time considered a logical choice to move their affiliate to Oklahoma City, it now appears unlikely it will be that easy.

Houston is currently affiliated with Round Rock, which is expected to become affiliated with Texas after the season. Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan owns the Round Rock franchise and is part of the ownership group that recently purchased the Rangers.

Houston was Oklahoma City's Triple-A affiliate from 1962-1972, when the 89ers played at All Sports Stadium.