Baseball Prospectus on Jackson

I’m still wrapping my head around this trade. So, to get some idea of what the Tigers are getting in Edwin Jackson I reached for my trusty copy of Baseball Prospectus 2008.

Here’s what it has to say about the newest Tiger:

It’s been more than four years since Jackson was one of the top pitching prospects in the game and out-pitched Randy Johnson in his big-league debut on his 20th birthday. He’s done little since, and remains one of the game’s mysteries. He still flashes mid-90s heat and a hard slider with two-plane break, and he still has flashes of greatness, like his four-hit shutout against Texas in August (2007). Considering his youth and stuff, the Rays can afford to give him some more chances, but their rotation is going to get crowded fast, so his time to make good is running out.

In 2008, Jackson went 14-11 with a 4.42 ERA. He pitched 183 1/3 innings, allowing 199 hits and 77 walks while striking out 108. So, we’ll see.

Oh, and here’s what Dave Dombrowski had to say about the deal:

“Everybody in baseball has known his ability and potential for years. He took a step forward last year and hopefully he’ll take a step forward for us. … We’re in a spot where we get a pitcher we think will help us. He pitched on a World Series club last year. He’s got great stuff.”

Given how the Tigers starters pitched in ’08, even good stuff would be acceptable.

Great stuff? Giddyap!