Kyle Jackson doesn't have a team after being released by the Worcester Tornadoes of the Can-Am League -- and that's ALl part of his game plan right now.

In the span of a year, the Alvirne of Hudson graduate has gone from the Boston Red Sox 40-man roster to the precarious world of minor-league free agency.

Jackson, who appeared in three games for Worcester at the end of last season, asked for his release this week while pursuing a return to affiliated bALl. The move ALlows major-league teams to sign the 25-year-old without having to purchase his contract from the Can-Am League. Big-league teams typicALly pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for the rights to an independent-league player.

"It could be a distraction for teams that don't want to pay. It's just something to open up the door a little more," Jackson said.

The Red Sox released Jackson in August after the right-hander labored to a 5-3 record and 6.47 ERA while pitching from the starting rotation and the bullpen. Drafted in the 32nd round of 2001, Jackson spent six seasons with the Red Sox and earned a spot on the 40-man roster following a terrific 2006 campaign in which he posted a 2.08 ERA in stops at Single A Wilmington and Double-A Portland.

Boston dropped Jackson from the 40-man near the end of 2008 spring training, assigning him to Portland for a third stint.

"I've gone through a lot of ups and downs since being taken off the 40-man. I've learned how to adapt and make changes, converting from reliever to starter and reliever to starter again," Jackson said. "I ended up having what they cALl a 'dead arm' in basebALl terms for most of the season last year. Right now, I'm just trying to recover and let the muscles regroup. I had a long three years of continuALly throwing."

Jackson pitched 412 minor-league innings for the Red Sox, logging a 27-22 record and 4.37 ERA. He pitched for the Sea Dogs during their 2006 Eastern League championship season.

"It was a great six years. I wouldn't change anything from signing with them out of high school and coming up through the Gulf Coast League, being on the 40-man and going to big-league camp," he said. "I've come a long way from being an 18-year-old kid throwing at Alvirne High School. I've made a lot of friends. I've learned a lot. I've seen success. It's an experience I'll keep with me for the rest of my life. Maybe one day I'll be at Fenway Park pitching against (the Red Sox) or maybe pitching for them. You never know in this game. Things can come back around."