CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are ready to make Columbus, Ohio, the club's top minor league affiliate.

The Indians said today they have agreed to a four-deal with the Columbus Clippers, who begin play next season in a new $55 million ballpark. The deal would run through 2012.

Cleveland recently broke ties with the Buffalo Bisons, who served as the Indians' Triple-A affiliate since 1995. The Clippers were the New York Yankees' top farm team from 1979-2006 and were affiliated with the Washington Nationals the last two seasons.

The Clippers played their last game at the 76-year-old Cooper Stadium last month. The new Huntington Park is to open down the street from where the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets play.