In Year Two, Squirrels operation "settled into a nice rhythm here"

The Richmond Flying Squirrels went 3 for 3 this season, in estimation of Bobby Evans, the San Francisco Giants vice president of baseball operations. When evaluating the overall performance of one of his organization's minor-league affiliates, Evans said he considers a trio of elements.

"You have a fan base that supports your team, which I think helps you get more out of your players," said Evans. "Then you put together a team that has a chance to win. Then you have a front office that 'gets it.' "

The Flying Squirrels concluded the regular season with an average home attendance of 6,679, second in the Double-A Eastern League to Reading (6,720). Richmond showed a per-game improvement from the club's inaugural season (6,626), and had six sellouts of 9,560 at The Diamond.

The Squirrels advanced to the EL championship series, losing three games to one to New Hampshire (Toronto Blue Jays), after capturing the EL Western Division championship.

"I give the staff all the credit in the world," Evans said of manager Dave Machemer, pitching coach Ross Grimsley and hitting coach Ken Joyce. "They've helped a number of players get better, and they've stuck with players even when they were struggling, which is part of what helps them get better."

Because of its strong pitching, Richmond stayed competitive in April and May with very limited run production. The Squirrels began winning on a regular basis when the club acquired minor-league free agent Wes Hodges (first base), and promoted closer Heath Hembree, outfielder Francisco Peguero and third baseman Chris Dominguez from Class A San Jose.

"To accomplish the feat of getting into the championship series, coming from where they started, I think it speaks to the character of all of these players and the character of that staff," Evans said.

As for the Squirrels' front-office members, "They understand how things need to be operated not only from a fans' standpoint and a promotions standpoint," Evans said. "They understand the emphasis on the (players') development side. They support (the Giants) in what we're trying to do."

The offseason heading into Year 2 of the Squirrels "was so much smoother, not having to do all of the things we had to do to get (The Diamond) ready," said Chuck Domino, the franchise's chief executive manager, speaking of ballpark renovations that were made prior to the inaugural year. "We really felt going into this season that we had our T's crossed and our I's dotted, and thought we were poised for a fantastic season.

"I'm just really satisfied that we've settled into a nice rhythm here."

Next season will be the final year of the current player-development contract linking Richmond and San Francisco. That deal could be extended, or the Squirrels could hook up with another parent club following 2012. The Washington Nationals' agreement with Double-A Harrisburg also expires following next season.

San Francisco won't determine its 2012 Double-A manager and his staff until late in the fall. The Giants will project at what levels its minor-leaguers will start next season, then put together staffs designed to complement the personnel, Evans said.

Class A San Jose won 2009 and 2010 California League championships, and qualified for the playoffs this season, falling in the divisional round. San Jose, like Richmond, had its league's best pitching, but struggled to score.

Of the players expected to elevate to Richmond, outfielder Gary Brown tops the list. Brown, the Giants' first-round draft pick in 2010, batted .336 with 53 stolen bases, 115 runs and 34 doubles at San Jose this season.