Toronto takes on Buffalo as AAA affiliate

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TORONTO, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The Buffalo Bisons will become the Toronto Blue Jays' Class AAA affiliate in 2013, the American League team announced Tuesday.

The Bisons, who play in the International League, have entered into a two-year agreement with the Blue Jays.

Buffalo will become the third Triple-A team to be part of Toronto's minor league system. The Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific League filled that role for four seasons. Before that, the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League were the Blue Jays' top minor league team from 1978 to 2008.

"From a baseball point of view, this is a great fit for our organization," Toronto General Manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "With only 160 kilometers [99 miles] separating the two fields, we will have greater flexibility to make roster decisions and an increased opportunity to watch our most developed prospects. We look forward to providing the Bisons with an exciting and talented roster."

Essentially, Toronto and the New York Mets swapped Triple-A clubs. The Bisons were the Mets' Triple-A affiliate since 2009. The Mets said Monday they had signed a new two-year partnership deal with Las Vegas.