Every Monday, we’ll take a look at the happenings around the Eastern League. Once the season starts, we’ll use this space to highlight top performers and notable events of the previous week but for now we’ll catch up on some off-season news from around the league.

• Nine of the 12 EL teams have announced their 2013 field staffs with only Erie, Binghamton, and Bowie remaining. One of the three new managers in the league so far is former Senators’ second baseman Carlos Garcia who takes the helm for the Altoona Curve.
• At the Sea Dogs’ recent Hot Stove Dinner, the Boston Red Sox extended the Player Development Contract with Portland for an additonal four years through the 2018 season. 2013 marks the Sea Dogs’ 20th season of existence and 11th as an affiliate of the Red Sox after a nine year connection with the Florida Marlins. 
• The Reading Phillies are no longer as they are now going with the Fightin Phils as their nom de plume and an aggresive ostrich as their mascot. After going to more games than I count when I was growing up, I don’t think I can bring myself to make the change. I might have to just stick with the Reading Baseball Club or RBC. 
• After 19 years as Mercer County Waterfront Park, the Trenton Thunder’s home stadium has been renamed Arm & Hammer Park under a 20-year licensing deal with the New Jersey-based manufacturer of household products. 
• The next time you see the Erie SeaWolves, they’ll look a little different as they’ve updated their logo. They’re sticking with the “pirate wolf” theme, but have came into the 21st century with the new design by Studio Simon. They have also added an alternate logo, a flag with a red E flying from a baseball bat, that pays tribute to Erie’s nickname (“Flag City”) and it’s role in the War of 1812. 
• Minor League Baseball is launching a new initiative this season to position itself as a singular entity to present a cohesive vision and national brand. By leveraging the power of all 160 markets as a collective force, MiLB is looking to harness their resources in developing partnerships with large companies.