Edwin Jackson

After watching the Indians/Rays game a few days ago, I came away impressed with a once top level prospect, one Edwin Jackson.

Originally a top flight prospect in the Dodgers organization (Baseball America ranked him as #1 in the Dodgers system in 2003), the Dodgers may have rushed Jackson to the show, as he made his MLB debut on his 19th birthday in late 2003. After strugglingat the major and AAA levels, the Dodgers finally tired of Jackson and sent him to the Devil Rays in the Danys Baez deal of early 2005.

I’ve probably seen Jackson three or four times time season, but during the game I mentioned previously he was flat out nasty.
Along with his usual 95+ mph fastball, Jackson was throwing a deadly 89 – 91 mph slider. That’s border lining on un-hittable. If anyone remembers Rob Nen, he based his living on pounding his 90 mph slider into the zone. No wild proclamations here, but I will say this; If Jackson (still only 23) can maintain control and velocity of his slider, he has a chance to become a very solid #3 at the MLB level, collecting a number of strikeouts along the way.

Over his past 10 starts, Edwin has a 3.69 ERA, 42K and has only allowed 2 HR in 53.2 IP. His walk rate is still high (24 over this stretch), however opponents are mostly grinding out singles. He somewhat reminds me of Adam Lowen in that sense. Of the 55 hits over this period, 35 are one baggers, and his sub .400 SLG percentage allowed places him amongst top of the rotation starters around the league.

If your in a deep keeper league, Edwin may be worth a $1 late pick-up & hold.