Edwin Jackson, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-3 WT: 195 DOB: September 9, 1983

 

If there was any doubt that Edwin Jackson was one of the best pitching prospects in the
game, it was dispelled when he made three effective starts down the stretch for the
Dodgers. A sixth-round pick in 2001 out of high school in Georgia, Jackson is an excellent
overall athlete, and he’s well on his way to being an excellent pitcher. His fastball
increased from 90 to 93 MPH last year on a consistent basis, and he’s been clocked as high
as 99. His slider is now a plus pitch, and he made major progress with his changeup. With
good athleticism and a live body, he’s able to repeat his delivery consistently, which helps
his command and likely reduces his injury risk. His ratio set is strong in all categories:
K/BB +40 percent, K/IP +30 percent, H/IP +15 percent. Generally, I think young pitchers should get a full year of Triple-A before being pushed into a major league role, but Jackson
may be an exception. He still needs to refine his changeup and slider, but if I were the
Dodgers, I’d give serious consideration to letting him do this while working in the major
league bullpen as a long reliever in 2004. His next stop in the system is Las Vegas, which
is NOT a good place for a young pitcher to refine his craft, and if he has a good spring he
would possibly be better off in the majors. Of course, the temptation to use him as a starter
would be huge. Watch him closely in spring training. Keep track of his K/BB and K/IP
ratios for a read on how quickly he’ll be able to contribute. Grade A.