Can someone explain to me how minor league contracts work? I'm pretty ignorant about this stuff.

Once a drafted player does sign to a minor league deal, does the minor league teams have control of the player for a set number of years (6-7 years?) or is that negotiated? Do they also have arbitration like MLB players?

Then, if put on the major league's 40 man roster, then  is it another 6 years of club control?

Thanks,

http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_12007827

"...there's still no agreement with DirecTV to carry the games. Also, contrary to earlier indications, it appears there's no agreement with Dish Network either..."

Anyone have dishnetwork and know for sure if they will get the A's games or not? I have Dish right now and get ComcastCA along with Comcast Bay Area, and if I will be supremely pissed if I don't get the games. I also won't go with Comcast cable since they are such a ripoff.