Bucky Jacobsen and the Long Island Ducks started Spring Training this week. Their first game was today, a 2-0 loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers. Bucky didn't earn a mention in the write up on either the Ducks' website nor the Barnstormers' recap of the game.
Bucky and the Ducks continue their spring training with a 1:00pm game against the Camden Riversharks at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow in Lakeland, Florida.
Bucky Jacobsen's signing with the Cardinals has not happened. Evidently, while Bucky passed the physical, they still had some concerns about his knee and decided not to sign him.
At this time, it appears Bucky will be playing in Independent baseball (probably the Long Island Ducks). As stated a couple of posts ago, this will keep Bucky a free agent in regards to the clubs in the majors and Japan. Once the season starts, hopefully if Bucky goes on a tear like he did in two years ago (hitting 26 homeruns by the All-Star Break), someone will take a chance and sign the big guy.
Links:
Springfield News-Leader - (Scroll way down)
According to his agent, Bucky Jacobsen has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as of this afternoon. This obviously ends his relationship with the Long Island Ducks.
As of this point, it sounds like Bucky will initially report to the Cardinals AA affiliate, the Springfield Cardinals. Some of you may remember that Bucky was with the Cardinals' organization in 2002 and 2003.
I would guess that we'll see news online tomorrow. I'll post them as I find them.
Bucky Jacobsen signed with the Long Island Ducks on Friday, March 31st. The Ducks play in the independent Atlantic League that is comparable to AAA ball.
Bucky's agent, Joe Speed, said that the benefit of playing independent ball is that Bucky is still effectively a free agent, available to sign with any team in the majors or Japan any time during the season. This way, Bucky would have the opportunity to play for a top team without having to worry about a trade, being released, etc.
Links
OurSportsCentral.com
Long Island Ducks Press Release
