Bucky's Call Up!

After parts of eight years in the minor leagues, Bucky Jacobsen's dream has come true - he's been called up to the major leagues. Bucky's first game will be Friday, July 16th.

Talking with a number of sportscasters and reporters from Seattle, it seems as if Bucky's call up, along with the other players from AAA Tacoma, has energized the fans at Safeco Field. Two to three times as many fans showed up for batting practice as usual. The Fox Sports broadcast of Thursday's game mentioned Bucky and other callups a number of times. Dave Henderson, Mariners' broadcaster, was particularly hopeful of the new youth movement that has come to the Mariners.

To make room for Bucky, the Mariners had to make a number of roster moves. First baseman Jon Olerud and catcher Pat Borders were both designated for assignment. The Mariners have ten days to trade them, release them, or send them to the minors. Reports say that the Mariners have been trying to trade Olerud for about a month now. Olerud, who had a no-trade clause in his contract, vetoed a trade to San Fransisco earlier this month.

Here's the coverage on Bucky's call-up.
Seattle P-I: Bucky Jacobsen too big to ignore
Mariners' Official Press Release
MLB.com: Olerud designated; Jacobsen up (includes comments from Bucky)
Seattle P-I: Olerud out, Bucky in
Seattle Times: Olerud let go today, Bucky Jacobsen brought up
The Spokesman-Review: Mariners dump Olerud, Borders
AP Newswire: Mariners Moving Olerud Off Roster