The Chicago Cubs drafted Jay Jackson in the ninth round (281st overall pick) of the 2008 draft. Jackson posted an 8-7 record in 24 games with Daytona, Tennessee and Iowa in 2009 … with a 2.98 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The 22-year old right-hander struck out 127 batters in 127 innings with only 46 walks.
Jackson appeared in a few Spring Training games as a call-up from minor league camp and has pitched very well for the Iowa Cubs in three games this season. Jackson is 2-1 in three games, two starts, with a 2.00 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. He has allowed only nine hits in 18 innings with 12 strikeouts and three walks. Jay Jackson has a four-pitch repertoire. His fastball tops out in the mid 90s but is consistently in the high 80s to low 90s (89-93 range). Jackson’s nasty mid 80s slider breaks hard and late and is his out pitch. Jackson also features an average curveball and changeup. Once he gets ahead in the count he likes to mix in all four pitches to keep opponents guessing.
Jackson is very aggressive at attacking the strike zone. He has very good control, meaning he throws a lot of strikes. He is working on refining his command right now trying to locate his pitches better within the strike zone and hit his spots. If he can do that he should be ready for the big leagues soon. Jay Jackson projects to be a solid middle of the rotation starter.
Full Name: Randy Jackson Jr.
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185lbs.
Age: 22 (October 27, 1987)
Bats/Throws: R/R
2010 Baseball-America Ranking: 5
Position: SP
Experience
Three years at Furman University
Minor League
2008 – 3 Teams: Boise, Peoria (Low A), Daytona (High A)
2009- 3 Teams: Daytona (High A), Tennessee (AA), Iowa (AAA)
2010- Iowa (AAA)
Minor League Stats
Since 2008 Jackson is 14-10 with a 2.86 ERA in 40 games starting 31 of those.
195 innings pitched
158 hits (18 home runs) – 62 walks-62 earned runs- 211 strikeouts -WHIP 1.128
Interesting Tidbits
– According to the Vineline’s “Fifty Names From the Farm” Jay Jackson has the best athleticism among farm hand pitchers.
– In College at Furman University he was a starting pitcher and when he wasn’t pitching he was starting in the outfield.
Quotes
“He’s showing above average velocity, breaking stuff and command, and people are wondering how he lasted until the 9th round. Total stud? No. But a way better prospect than where he was drafted.” – Kevin Goldstein, Baseball Prospectus, 8/08
Daytona pitching coach David Rosario called his slider “overpowering.” – Scout.com, 9/08
CCO Prospect Profiles: