Bucky Heading Back to Independent Leagues

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)

Bucky Signs with the Cardinals

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 signs with the Long Island Ducks of the Independent Atlantic League

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

An Observation

While I was responding to an e-mail from someone in Washington, I realized the irony of Bucky's signing with the Sox. Bucky will be playing for the AAA Charlotte Knights which is about as far away from Seattle as a AAA team can get. I believe Durham is just a bit further, but same difference.

In-Depth Article - Bucky's Arrival at Spring Training

John Hunt of the Oregonian has a great article in Wednesday's edition on Bucky's first day of camp with the White Sox. I had forgotten that Bucky had played with Ozzie Guillen in Venezuela in winter ball.

John you may remember did an article on the Backers' trip (ok, it was just me and my dad) to spring training back in 2004. He's also Baseball Weekly's chief fantasy baseball guru.

After injury, Jacobsen tries again for Chicago
Knee surgery ended Bucky Jacobsen's stint in Seattle, but he will play this season for the White Sox's Triple A team