COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Columbus Clippers reached an agreement Wednesday to become the top minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals, a week after the AAA's affiliation with the New York Yankees ended.
     
The two-year deal allows the Clippers - who will retain their nickname and continue to play in the International League - to pursue an affiliate agreement with the in-state Cleveland Indians or Cincinnati Reds after the 2008 season, when the contracts between those teams and their AAA affiliates end.
     
The Nationals' top farm club was in New Orleans, which competed in the Pacific Coast League since 1995.
     
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)