Mr. Popularity

Blue Ridge, trying to shake things up Tuesday, released pitcher Edwin Jackson and catcher Chris Ianetta. Ianetta was just the backup catcher, though it seemed he was doing an adequate job (.241/.313/.552, 3 HRs in 29 ABs). But Jackson...Jackson was a solid part of the Bombers rotation. Jackson was 4-2 with a 4.21 ERA so it was a bit surprising to see him let go. Well as soon as he hit the waiver wire, his agent was getting calls left and right. Four teams had a filed a waiver claim with the commissioner's office for Jackson. Hoboken happened to be in the right place at the right time, as far as the standings go, and were awarded the claim for Jackson. Jackson will replace Anibal Sanchez in the rotation.

Jackson first appeared on the DMBL scene back in 2004 when Harrison drafted him in the 4th round. Jackson stayed in the minors all year but was no protected for the 2005 draft. Harrison must have seen something in the young hurler, so they drafted him again in 2005, this time with their 7th round pick. This time Jackson did not last with the club and was released in May. Would the Rats take him again in 2006? This time it was Vancouver who took a flyer on the pitcher in the late stages of the Supplemental Rounds, but he didn't even make it to Opening Day. By 2007, after being draft three times as an ineligible player, teams had begun to give up on Jackson. No one signed him in '07 but in 2008, Marietta took a chance with their 15th round pick. Jackson would finally see some action in 2008, getting into 5 games, but no starts. Jackson ended up 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in 9.1 innings. Marietta was unimpressed and left him unprotected. Blue Ridge drafted Jackson in 2009 in the 8th round and he was protected for the first time for the 2010 draft. So Jackson now signs for the 6th time in his short career and tries to find a home. Will it be Hoboken?