The Houston Astros are staying around the Capital Region.

The Astros have extended their player development contract with the New York-Penn League’s Tri-Cty ValleyCats for two more years, the clubs jointly announced late Friday afternoon. The deal runs through th 2010 season.

“We are extremely excited about continuing our relationship with the Tri-City ValleyCats, both personally and professionally,”Astros assistant general manager and director of player development Ricky Bennett said in a statement. “[’Cats team president] Bill Gladstone, [general manager] Rick Murphy and their staff do a great job creating an environment that's conducive to developing winning ballplayers.”

The ’Cats have welcomed over 800,000 fans to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in its seven years of existence.

“On behalf of Rick Murphy and myself, we are delighted to renew our affiliation with the Houston Astros,” said ValleyCats President Bill Gladstone. “Our new player development agreement ... will bring our outstanding relationship with the Astros to 10 rewarding years.”