The Kane County Cougars’ season has been over for only a few weeks, but the anticipation for the 2013 season already is building in a big way.

This week’s announcement that the Cougars signed a two-year player development contract to become the Cubs’ Class A Midwest League affiliate created a level of buzz around the Cougars perhaps unrivaled since the team started playing ball on Kirk Road in 1991.

The Kane County Chronicle’s Facebook page brimmed with elated feedback when the news broke, and it is a safe bet you heard or saw similar reactions if you have even casual baseball fans in your social circle.