Biographical

Portrait of Austin Jackson

Austin Jackson CFMets

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 32)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date2-1-1987
Height6' 1"
Weight198 lbs
Age37 years, 1 months, 28 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
1.22015
0.22016
1.62017
-0.92018
1.82019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2010 DET 23 151 675 181 34 10 4 47 170 4 27 6 .293 .345 .400 88 -8.7 4.7 3.1 2.0
2011 DET 24 153 668 147 22 11 10 56 181 4 22 5 .249 .317 .374 81 -13.5 0.7 6.2 1.4
2012 DET 25 137 617 163 29 10 16 67 134 2 12 9 .300 .377 .479 133 23.3 2.9 4.6 5.2
2013 DET 26 129 614 150 30 7 12 52 129 4 8 4 .272 .337 .417 108 6.2 4.4 -8.4 2.2
2014 DET 27 100 420 102 25 5 4 35 85 2 9 4 .273 .332 .398 85 -6.5 2.4 -5.8 0.2
2014 SEA 27 54 236 51 5 1 0 12 59 0 11 2 .229 .267 .260 85 -3.6 0.4 0.0 0.4
2015 CHN 28 29 79 17 7 0 1 5 19 2 2 1 .236 .304 .375 85 -1.1 0.2 0.1 0.1
2015 SEA 28 107 448 114 18 3 8 24 107 1 15 9 .272 .312 .387 86 -5.7 -2.6 5.0 1.1
2016 CHA 29 54 203 46 12 2 0 17 39 1 2 1 .254 .318 .343 85 -3.1 -0.4 -1.2 0.2
2017 CLE 30 85 318 89 19 3 7 33 64 1 3 1 .318 .387 .482 116 7.4 1.6 -1.7 1.6
2018 NYN 31 57 210 49 9 1 3 12 74 0 1 2 .247 .290 .348 65 -8.2 -1.4 0.5 -0.3
2018 SFN 31 59 165 36 8 0 0 14 59 1 2 1 .242 .309 .295 63 -6.8 0.9 -4.8 -0.6
Career111546531145218536537411202211445.273.333.39695-20.413.7-2.213.4

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2006 CSC A SAL 134 611 .000 .000 .000 .351 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2007 CSC A SAL 60 266 .261 .331 .391 .333 93 3.4 7.9 0.4 98 0 -1.3 0.8 -0.2 0.8
2007 TAM A+ FSL 67 284 .266 .336 .399 .395 101 15 8.8 0.7 159 0 1.6 1.8 18.9 3.1
2007 SWB AAA INT 1 5 .267 .340 .421 1.000 90 1 0.2 0 81 0 -0.3 0.5 -0.1 0.0
2008 TRN AA EAS 131 584 .269 .344 .409 .348 94 19.4 18.3 -0.1 113 0 -11.9 2.0 1.5 1.0
2009 SWB AAA INT 132 557 .263 .330 .394 .389 100 6.5 17.0 -0.1 113 0 -15.4 6.7 8.8 1.7
2010 DET MLB AL 151 675 .261 .326 .411 .396 112 0.7 18.6 1.7 88 7 3.1 4.7 -8.7 2.0
2011 DET MLB AL 153 668 .262 .323 .408 .340 107 -10.8 18.0 1.6 81 6 6.2 0.7 -13.5 1.4
2012 DET MLB AL 137 617 .258 .321 .415 .371 105 25.3 16.9 1.5 133 8 4.6 2.9 23.3 5.2
2012 TOL AAA INT 2 9 .207 .271 .325 .167 92 -1.3 0.3 0 82 0 0.4 -0.4 -0.2 0.0
2013 DET MLB AL 129 614 .259 .320 .406 .333 100 10 16.1 1.5 108 7 -8.4 4.4 6.2 2.2
2013 TOL AAA INT 3 14 .289 .356 .418 .375 107 -1 0.4 -0.1 36 0 -0.2 -0.4 -1.1 -0.1
2014 DET MLB AL 100 420 .258 .316 .398 .334 105 2.9 10.8 1 85 9 -5.8 2.4 -6.5 0.2
2014 SEA MLB AL 54 236 .249 .310 .385 .309 92 -14 6.1 0.6 85 9 0.0 0.4 -3.6 0.4
2015 CHN MLB NL 29 79 .249 .314 .390 .308 92 -0.6 2.1 -0.4 85 10 0.1 0.2 -1.1 0.1
2015 SEA MLB AL 107 448 .256 .314 .410 .348 101 -3.1 12.1 1.1 86 10 5.0 -2.6 -5.7 1.1
2015 TAC AAA PCL 9 42 .266 .336 .400 .385 96 -1.4 1.2 -0.4 71 0 -1.1 0.4 -1.9 -0.2
2016 CHA MLB AL 54 203 .257 .318 .423 .319 104 -5.1 5.7 0.5 85 9 -1.2 -0.4 -3.1 0.2
2017 CLE MLB AL 85 318 .265 .332 .445 .385 104 11.5 9.3 -1.1 116 10 -1.7 1.6 7.4 1.6
2017 COH AAA INT 8 29 .270 .340 .434 .400 111 0.9 0.9 -0.3 124 0 -0.4 0.0 0.7 0.1
2018 NYN MLB NL 57 210 .251 .323 .413 .380 92 -4.7 5.9 0.5 65 7 0.5 -1.4 -8.2 -0.3
2018 SFN MLB NL 59 165 .241 .311 .399 .396 95 -4.9 4.6 0.3 63 7 -4.8 0.9 -6.8 -0.6

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2006 CSC A SAL 611 535 90 139 24 5 4 185 47 61 151 37 12 .260 .339 .346 .086 5 5
2007 CSC A SAL 266 235 33 61 16 1 3 88 25 24 59 19 6 .260 .337 .374 .115 1 1
2007 TAM A+ FSL 284 258 53 89 15 6 10 146 34 22 48 13 5 .345 .401 .566 .221 0 0
2007 SWB AAA INT 5 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 2 1 0 .333 .600 .667 .333 0 0
2008 TRN AA EAS 584 520 75 148 33 5 9 218 69 56 113 19 6 .285 .355 .419 .135 2 2
2009 SWB AAA INT 557 504 67 151 23 9 4 204 65 40 123 24 4 .300 .358 .405 .105 1 1
2010 DET MLB AL 675 618 103 181 34 10 4 247 41 47 170 27 6 .293 .345 .400 .107 3 3
2011 DET MLB AL 668 591 90 147 22 11 10 221 45 56 181 22 5 .249 .317 .374 .125 3 14
2012 TOL AAA INT 9 8 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 .125 .222 .125 .000 0 0
2012 DET MLB AL 617 543 103 163 29 10 16 260 66 67 134 12 9 .300 .377 .479 .179 3 2
2013 DET MLB AL 614 552 99 150 30 7 12 230 49 52 129 8 4 .272 .337 .417 .145 3 3
2013 TOL AAA INT 14 13 1 3 0 0 0 3 1 1 5 0 0 .231 .286 .231 .000 0 0
2014 DET MLB AL 420 374 52 102 25 5 4 149 33 35 85 9 4 .273 .332 .398 .126 8
2014 SEA MLB AL 236 223 19 51 5 1 0 58 14 12 59 11 2 .229 .267 .260 .031 1
2015 SEA MLB AL 448 419 46 114 18 3 8 162 38 24 107 15 9 .272 .312 .387 .115 1 3
2015 CHN MLB NL 79 72 10 17 7 0 1 27 10 5 19 2 1 .236 .304 .375 .139 0 0
2015 TAC AAA PCL 42 38 4 10 1 0 0 11 1 4 12 1 0 .263 .333 .289 .026 0 0
2016 CHA MLB AL 203 181 24 46 12 2 0 62 18 17 39 2 1 .254 .318 .343 .088 2 2
2017 CLE MLB AL 318 280 46 89 19 3 7 135 35 33 64 3 1 .318 .387 .482 .164 4 0
2017 COH AAA INT 29 27 2 9 3 0 1 15 4 2 6 2 0 .333 .379 .556 .222 0 0
2018 NYN MLB NL 210 198 17 49 9 1 3 69 19 12 74 1 2 .247 .290 .348 .101 0 0
2018 SFN MLB NL 165 149 12 36 8 0 0 44 13 14 59 2 1 .242 .309 .295 .054 1 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2010 2679 0.5256 0.4569 0.7761 0.6087 0.2887 0.8226 0.6676 0.2239 0.0069
2011 2633 0.5097 0.4299 0.7412 0.5894 0.2641 0.8116 0.5777 0.2588 0.0175
2012 2557 0.5104 0.4185 0.7879 0.5747 0.2556 0.8520 0.6375 0.2121 -0.0004
2013 2387 0.5312 0.4370 0.7910 0.5962 0.2565 0.8743 0.5714 0.2090 0.0039
2014 2675 0.5178 0.4176 0.7923 0.5762 0.2473 0.8709 0.5956 0.2077 0.0053
2015 2186 0.5059 0.4369 0.7759 0.5868 0.2833 0.8598 0.5980 0.2241 0.0053
2016 861 0.5134 0.4309 0.8005 0.6018 0.2506 0.8609 0.6476 0.1995 0.0000
2017 1354 0.4911 0.4202 0.7838 0.5925 0.2540 0.8477 0.6400 0.2162 0.0000
2018 1586 0.5334 0.4515 0.6774 0.6052 0.2757 0.7422 0.5147 0.3226 0.0000
Career189180.51630.43330.77040.59090.26500.83950.60500.22960.0052

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2013-06-21 2013-06-22 DTD 1 1 Left Thigh Soreness - -
2013-05-12 2013-06-13 15-DL 32 30 Right Thigh Strain Hamstring - -
2012-09-16 2012-09-17 DTD 1 1 Left Ankle Soreness Crashed Into Wall - -
2012-05-17 2012-06-09 15-DL 23 21 - Abdomen Strain - -
2011-08-18 2011-08-19 DTD 1 0 - Soreness Sliding - -
2011-07-11 2011-07-19 DTD 8 3 Left Wrist Soreness -
2011-07-09 2011-07-10 DTD 1 1 Left Wrist Soreness -
2011-07-07 2011-07-07 DTD 0 0 Left Wrist Soreness - -
2010-06-14 2010-06-20 DTD 6 5 Low Back Strain -
2010-05-23 2010-05-25 DTD 2 1 Head Concussion HBP -
2009-04-16 2009-04-21 Minors 5 0 Left Elbow Contusion -
2008-08-23 2008-08-30 Minors 7 0 - Low Back Strain - -
2007-04-18 2007-04-28 Minors 10 0 Right Hip Strain -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2019 TEX $3,000,000
2018 SFN $3,000,000
2017 CLE $1,500,000
2016 CHA $5,000,000
2015 SEA $7,700,000
2014 DET $6,000,000
2013 DET $3,500,000
2012 DET $500,000
2011 DET $440,000
2010 DET $400,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
10 yrPrevious$31,040,000
10 yrTotal$31,040,000

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
9 y 0 dOctagon2 years/$6M (2018-19)

Details
  • 2 years/$6M (2018-19). Signed by San Francisco as a free agent 1/22/18. 18:$3M, 19:$3M. 2019 salary increases $0.25M each for 300, 325, 350, 375 plate appearances in 2018. Performance bonuses: $0.25M each for 300, 325, 350, 375, 450, 475 plate appearances in 2019. Acquired by Texas in trade from San Francisco 7/8/18 with $4,354,838 remaining on contract ($1,354,838 in 2018 and $3M in 2019). DFA by Texas 7/11/18. Released 7/14/18. Signed by NY Mets as a free agent 7/27/18 (Mets pay pro-rated share of Major League minimum, or $193,387).
  • 1 year (2017). Signed by Cleveland as a free agent 1/25/17 (minor-league contract). Salary of $1.5M in majors. May earn additional $4M in performance bonuses. May opt out of contract if not on Major League roster at end of spring training. Contract selected by Cleveland 3/27/17.
  • 1 year/$5M (2016). Signed by Chicago White Sox as a free agent 3/6/16.
  • 1 year/$7.7M (2015). Re-signed by Seattle 1/16/15 (avoided arbitration). Acquired by Chicago Cubs in trade from Seattle 8/31/15.
  • 1 year/$6M (2014). Re-signed by Detroit 1/17/14 (avoided arbitration). Acquired by Seattle in trade from Detroit 7/31/14.
  • 1 year/$3.5M (2013). Re-signed by Detroit 1/18/13 (avoided arbitration).
  • 1 year/$0.5M (2012). Renewed by Detroit 3/3/12.
  • 1 year/$0.44M (2011). Re-signed by Detroit 3/11.
  • 1 year/$0.4M (2010). Contract purchased by NY Yankees 11/20/09. Acquired by Detroit in trade 12/9/09. Signed by Detroit 1/27/10.
  • Drafted by NY Yankees 2005 (8-259) (Ryan HS, Denton, Texas). $0.8M signing bonus (8th-round record).

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 496 60 129 28 3 11 55 51 111 7 4 .295 .371 .447 120 37.7 4.0
80o 480 56 120 26 3 10 51 48 110 7 4 .282 .358 .428 113 31.3 3.3
70o 468 53 113 25 2 9 49 45 108 7 4 .272 .345 .407 108 26.9 2.9
60o 458 51 108 24 2 9 47 43 107 6 3 .265 .338 .400 104 23.3 2.5
50o 448 49 103 23 2 8 45 41 106 6 3 .258 .329 .385 100 20.0 2.1
40o 438 47 99 22 2 8 43 39 105 6 3 .253 .323 .380 97 16.9 1.8
30o 428 45 95 21 2 8 41 37 104 5 3 .247 .316 .375 92 13.6 1.5
20o 416 42 89 20 2 7 39 35 103 5 3 .237 .305 .357 88 10.0 1.1
10o 400 39 82 18 2 7 36 32 101 5 3 .227 .292 .346 81 5.3 0.6
Weighted Mean450491052329454210763.262.334.39710120.62.2

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

Click here to see articles tagged with Austin Jackson

BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2019-02-08 11:00:00 (link to chat)Interesting, Buxton #1 project is Austin Jackson right now. Good or bad?
(Derek from Minneapolis)
It depends on how you look at it. This is one we alluded to earlier--Austin Jackson is not a bad Major League player. But when you start out looking like your comps are HOF quality, it can feel really really bad. Which probably isn't fair to anyone. (Harry Pavlidis)
2018-12-06 20:00:00 (link to chat)Say the Mets sign Miller, Maldonado, Adam warren and Austin Jackson—-how many wins?
(Wes from Ny)
82 (Jarrett Seidler)
2018-11-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is the Mets' Opening Day outfielder (starters and back-ups)?
(Bill from PA)
Oh the cynic in me says Lagares in CF with Nimmo and Conforto flanking him and a bench of like, heck let's say Austin Jackson and Derek Dietrich. Signing Pollock and just sticking him in CF would solve a chunk of their remaining issues though. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-04-11 19:00:00 (link to chat)Why did the White Sox get off to that crazy good start last year? Are there any lessons from the rise and then crash landing?
(bemused from connecticut)
They started 17-8 and were below .500 every month after that until September. Looks like a lot of that good start was individual herculean pitching efforts, which seems easy to explain given their personnel. David Robertson was probably healthy in the first few months, as opposed to pitching through a knee injury in the second half. Austin Jackson was roughly replacement level instead of Shuck who was below, luck, variance.

In terms of collapsing in the second half, the team had already traded away what little depth they had in previous years (Trayce Thompson, Chris Bassitt, Marcus Semien, etc.) so any time anything went wrong there was no fallback option.

The White Sox did aggressively attempt to fix their rotation. Miguel Gonzalez worked out, James Shields didn't.

But they did basically nothing to help what already looked like a horrible offense as the season went on. Jerry Sands, Jimmy Rollins, and blitzing Tim Anderson through the minors at a blinding pace were basically their only efforts to upgrade from some really, really miserable options. (Nick Schaefer)
2016-11-22 20:00:00 (link to chat)Handedness aside, do you feel Austin Jackson or Denard Span is a better comp for Desmond Lindsay? Or neither? Regardless, if you had to bet, how do you see his next 2ish years in the minors unfolding and how his prospect status will change (or not change).
(Henry from NY)
I'm not convinced Lindsay's a centerfielder yet and I think he's got more power than Span, so I guess Jackson? I generally don't love comps for short-season guys that can go in a lot of different directions, to be honest.

If I had to bet on what Lindsay does over the next two years, I'll bet that he keeps having recurring leg injuries because he's had an awful lot of recurring leg injuries, and that he'll also continue to hit. Attrition and level advancement causes his stock to relatively rise. (Jarrett Seidler)
2016-11-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)I know comps are difficult and almost always imperfect, but what do you think about Desmond Lindsay comp to (a righty) Denard Span? Span even has the hamstring issues as well
(Rick from PSL)
I don't like left/right comps, but that isn't awful. I kind of like Young Austin Jackson (minus the +30 glove or whatever the advanced metrics spat out on him once upon a time) (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2016-03-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)For a team with limited financial resources, haven't the White Sox had a good offseason? They had stars and gaping holes, and they have successfully filled their gaping holes (2B, 3B, OF Defense) fairly cheaply. If Jimmy Rollins hits much, SS is also solved. What is your take?
(Q-Ball from Chicago)
I'm not as psyched as Craig Goldstein, but sure, I'm buying. The big problem on this team is that they're relying on a lot of folks who had down years last year ... they've bought low on a bunch of guys. I like the moves in aggregate, and I feel like it pays to be aggressive in the AL Central, but the roster reads like a litany of late-'15 disappointments. With Austin Jackson, I now like them over the Twins in the division, don't know about the rest. (Bryan Grosnick)
2016-03-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)Looks like the Tribe is going to roll with an initial OF of Cowgill-Davis-Chisenhall. Yeesh. Why weren't they willing to outbid the White Sox for Austin Jackson? Are they that optimistic on Brantley's return? I fear the Tribe are going to waste some really good pitching.....
(Chief Wahoo from Cleveland)
That is horrible. Just horrible. I wrote the Indians comments for the BP Annual this year (the editorial staff greatly improved them), and I was feeling pretty good. This, however? This is not good. Davis should not be a regular center fielder, and I think the team may be better served with Naquin there. They should have gotten Jackson, or traded for Khris Davis, or signed Rymer Liriano, or re-signed Ryan Raburn, or any of a dozen other things. The only saving grace is that I do think they think that Brantley will be back sooner rather than later. (Bryan Grosnick)
2016-03-09 19:00:00 (link to chat)I have the option to pick up Austin Jackson or Pedro Alvarez with my top waiver claim in an AL only 5 x 5. Which one please?
(Chris from Baltimore)
I just put the same bid on both of them in my non-published update. Jackson is the steadier choice and Alvarez has more upside. Depends on your needs. I prefer Jackson but they're close. (Mike Gianella)
2015-10-22 14:00:00 (link to chat)Who's in center for the Cubs opening day? Bryant? Fowler? Hetward? Almost at some point?
(BC from Urbandale)
I really don't know. That'll be interesting. I think they'll keep their options wide open for as long as possible, looking for a reliable (because they need production out there in order to come back next season near this level) but short-term solution. I don't think they want anyone totally blocking the way of Almora, Happ, or Eddy Julio Martinez, whoever ends up developing most smoothly. Cameron Maybin could be a trade target. Austin Jackson could come back on a one-year deal. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-10-22 14:00:00 (link to chat)What kind of FA contract do you project for Austin Jackson? What kind of performance would you expect from him?
(Zonk from Chi Town)
One year, $5-8 million? Maybe someone goes 2/$16 or something? I think he's a 1-2 win center fielder. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of the CF options this offseason either by FA or trade?
(T.J. from Chicago, IL)
For the Cubs or in general? Trades are hard to guess since I didn't expect Dexter Fowler - for example - to get moved this winter but he did. Austin Jackson and Denard Span are the other decent CF options out there this winter; if I had to rank them it's close. I lean a healthy Span over Fowler and then Jackson. But none of these guys is elite. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)If you were the M's GM, and you were more concerned with the long-term success of the organization (instead of your tenuous job standing), what moves would you make before the deadline?
(Kim from 206)
I'd try to trade Trumbo, Austin Jackson, and maybe Iwakuma. I'd sell but in a moderate way as opposed to aggressively. (Mike Gianella)
2015-04-16 17:00:00 (link to chat)Who am I dropping? Fowler, Austin Jackson, or Carl Crawford?
(Iain from Cincy)
Crawford. (Mike Gianella)
2014-12-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think Austin Jackson will ever have his breakout season, or is he just a slightly above average player?
(Jay from Seattle)
Didn't he already have that breakout a few years ago? He's just regressed as he headed towards his prime. I think this just may be what he is, the power has progressively disappeared, doubt going to Seattle will help that very much. (Sahadev Sharma)
2014-08-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Austin Jackson ever going to have the breakout year we've been waiting for?
(Michael from Jordan)
odds are tilting against him. Maybe he's a late bloomer, a really late bloomer. (Harry Pavlidis)
2014-07-31 19:30:00 (link to chat)Do people understand that, weighed against the gain of Price over Porcello, that there is the cost of the downgrade from Austin Jackson to ?????? AJ is no star, but he is a competent CF with an average bat. Also, the Tigers have lost a guy in Smyly who could be a terrific LOOGY in the playoffs.
(Spencer Steel from Detroit, MI)
Price could be a great LOOGY in the playoffs, too. (Ben Carsley)
2014-06-11 12:00:00 (link to chat)This season has been a tale of two Tigers teams: the one with the dominant rotation and dynamic lineup that got off to a 27-12 start and the mediocre one we've seen the last two weeks. What should we expect from here on out?
(mofab from Bellingham WA)
Something in between. By OPS+ the Tigers have three above average hitters on their team (Kinsler, Cabrera, and Victor Martinez). The good news is they can likely upgrade the bullpen with the addition of most relievers available at or near the deadline so improvement there is possible. The lineup might be a bit better than this, but it might not. Austin Jackson can improve, and I guess Torii Hunter could as well though the age is what the age is. In the end though this team needs their rotation to push them to the post season. I'm not optimistic about them in two years, but this season they should make the playoffs. (Matthew Kory)
2014-04-16 19:00:00 (link to chat)Re. my Sizemore/Bourn question you answered earlier. I've also got Pagan and Austin Jackson. One of this lot will have to go.
(gavstone from England)
Despite his hot start, I would drop Pagan. (Ben Carsley)
2014-03-19 20:00:00 (link to chat)Could you please rank the following on value in a 5 x 5 for the next 4-5 years in total? Desmond Jennings, Austin Jackson, Brandon Belt, Brett Lawrie
(Vic from Baltimore)
Jennings, Jackson, Lawrie, Belt. (Bret Sayre)
2013-03-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)Vanilla 5x5 league (no keepers), just dealt Prado and Votto for Harper and Austin Jackson. My new 3B is Pedro Alvarez. Did I do ok?
(M from NY)
Seems like a pretty even trade to me. Harper is a small downgrade from Votto and A-Jax is a small upgrade from Prado. (Bret Sayre)
2013-03-06 20:00:00 (link to chat)Keep six in a head to head points league with three OFs that are LF, CF, RF. Keeper round stays the same throughout a player's career: Beltre (1), Felix H (7th rd), J Upton (10), Harper (15), Price (16), Matt Moore (20), Austin Jackson (20), Jurickson Profar (20).
(Alan from Jacksonville)
Tough, I'm thinking pass on Beltre, Felix. (Paul Singman)
2013-02-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)It seems like Austin Jackson is flying under radar. Do you think he can build on last year's breakout season?
(Fred L from Houston)
Yes. I think Jackson took some real steps forward last year. The BB%/K% both improved and the ISO has jumped every year since his rookie campaign. Jackson reminds me a bit of someone like Adam Jones: a player who might never be a superstar but could be the next notch right below. A $30 season at Jackson's peak wouldn't surprise me. (Mike Gianella)
2013-02-15 12:00:00 (link to chat)In an OBP league where we keep 8, would you rather have a $7 Hill or $4 Austin Jackson? I also have Kipnis. I have JUpton and Harper. I guess it boils down to whether you'd rather look for a MI in auction or find an OF.
(Willie Norwood from Bloomington)
I'd rather take Aaron Hill (Jason Collette)
2013-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Over the next 4 years, please rank Austin Jackson, Middlebrooks, Headley and C. Santana for general overall production. Thanks.
(Adam from Rochester, NY)
Santana, AJax, Headley, and Middlebrooks. I'm really close on Headley & AJax, I just want to see another year of at least 2012-esque production from Headley, specifically the power. (Paul Sporer)
2013-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jealous that a guy in my dynasty points league just got Craig, Austin Jackson and Matt Harvey for Stanton and JR Graham. Tell me who won that, so I can cover my sour grapes with taunts for the loser.
(captnamerca from FL)
I'd still take the Craig side and not just because of my known love of his game. It's a fair trade so I'm not sure you can crush anyone. The guy getting Stanton paid the premium that a stud like that costs in a league where you get to keep him forever. (Paul Sporer)
2011-03-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Jackson: have we seen his best season or is he going to improve?
(Jonathan from LA)
Austin Jackson is undoubtedly going to improve. He still may never have a better season than he did last year. It's not just luck in the sense that balls were finding holes, but it's luck in the sense that he outperformed his true talent level. I don't think he's as good a hitter or as good a defender as he showed. (Jeremy Greenhouse)
2011-03-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)RE: Austin Jackson. I understand saying he might have played "beyond his talent level" at the plate.......ya know, hr got some luck. But defensively? How does one play above their talent level defensively? Did the other team hit some lucky gappers that happened to be JUST in his reach?
(singledigit from San Diego, Ca)
There is performance variation in all aspects of life. Good days, bad days, good years, bad years. We're trained to understand that with baseball hitters, batting averages will fluctuate. It works the same in every facet of the game. (Jeremy Greenhouse)
2011-03-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)I ain't letting go........lol. .384 BABIP at AAA in 2009, a .396 BABIP last year, and has a .412 BABIP so far in spring training. I see a trend. At what point for Austin Jackson does it stop being "luck"?
(singledigit from San Diego, Ca)
I think Jackson's BABIP talent level may well be above .360. My opinions of him were partially formed before he reached the Majors, and that's the main reason that I think he's playing above his head and has overperformed. It doesn't have as much to do with his high BABIP. He's a fast line-drive hitter who should have a high BABIP. (Jeremy Greenhouse)
2010-12-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Jackson in '11....big regression, more of the same, or show some progression w/a bit more power?
(lemppi from Ankeny, IA)
I think he loses a lot of the BABIP-infused line, but DOES develop a bit more power. He hit .293/.345/.400 in 2010. I'll go with .276/.328/.430 in 2011. (Eric Seidman)
2010-08-17 14:45:00 (link to chat)Top 5 CFs in baseball for the next 5 years: CarGo, Rasmus, Austin Jackson, Adam Jones, Bourjos.
(Joe Jackson from Foot Locker)
The first two for sure -- the latter three, I'm not even in the vicinity of sold yet. (Eric Seidman)
2010-07-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jay- so the Yankees have a history of playing up their prospects/youngsters only to trade them. Do you think this is intentional do increase their trade value? I can see that work with the media, but why would that work with these other clubs who have their own scouts?
(DanDaMan from Sea Cliff)
I think they tend to hype them a bit, yes, though maybe less so than in the past. But I also think it's true that there's been more to their prospects, particularly the hitters, than what we've seen on the page, numbers-wise. Robbie Cano's minor league translations certainly didn't portend this kind of success, and likewise thus far with Brett Gardner and Austin Jackson.

I do think we in the stathead community have gotten a bit too comfortable with the idea that you can devalue scouting information in favor of translations or whatever. It's clear that that's generally a bad idea, and that you'll get a much better picture of a prospect if you can combine reliable scouting information with good stats and projection systems. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-08-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)With the addition of Kearns the Granderson trade is now complete. How Bad a deal was it?
(Frank Leja from Washington, DC)
Kearns doesn't really help... He's one of those rare righties that can't hit lefties. The theory, I guess, is that he will be better than Granderson, who is mostly helpless, but since April he's hit .225/.303/.338 against them. In a world in which most every right-handed hitter is at an advantage against lefties, the Yankees found the one guy who can't, but I suppose when you narrow the choices to "right-hand-hitting outfielders who are also decent gloves" the list gets fairly short -- otherwise they could have just stuck with Marcus Thames. As for the deal, Austin Jackson has had a good year, but a weird one. His BABIP is well over .400. His line-drive rate supports that, I guess, but it's hard to believe he won't see some regression. If/when that happens, his peripherals don't support real production. This is a long-winded way of saying I think it's premature to judge the deal--we're looking at Jackson at his unrealistic best and Granderson at his unrealistic worst. Perhaps spared from striking out against lefties every few games, the latter will find some consistency. (Steven Goldman)
2010-08-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Steve, who are your best bets for ROY in each league? Seems kind of wide open. Thanks, Dan
(DanDaMan from Sea Cliff)
Sorry for the slight delay there, but Alex Rodriguez finally, finally hit #600. Not that I care that much, but maybe the Yankees can go back to winning now that one of their key players isn't constipated. Of course, it's already been one at-bat and he hasn't hit #601. Annnnyway, before he got blowed up yesterday, I would have said Jaime Garcia in the NL. I guess I'll stick with him, though (how do the Astros keep winning with that lineup? There has got to be a correction coming, right?). In the AL... the aforementioned Austin Jackson? The NL has a million candidates this year, the AL not so much. My pal Cliff Corcoran tracks the major award races in a weekly column at SI.com, so check that out for more. (Steven Goldman)
2010-06-18 14:00:00 (link to chat)Who would you rather have for the next five years: Austin Jackson or Brennan Boesch?
(Oden from Motown)
Jackson -- even when the BABIP gods smite him, he still has speed and looks to have solid range in CF. Boesch has never been a high OBP guy and even this year's mark is infused by the .340+ BA. I'd love to have both in some capacity but Jackson was rated higher for specific reasons. (Eric Seidman)
2010-05-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)ETA of Austin Jackson coming back to earth? K'ing in 35% of your ABs, with a .500 BABIP is a recipe for regression. How does he end up the season? .270/.340/.410?
(dianagramr from NYC)
Hey Diana. I think the correction has already begun, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up with a batting average maybe 10-20 points higher, with the other two rates about right (remember, he's not walking all that much. Let's say .285/.340/.410. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-05-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)True or false: By season's end, Mark Teixeira will have a higher batting average than Austin Jackson? (small sample alert question of the moment)
(dianagramr from NYC)
Actually a pretty good question. I have much more faith in Jackson keeping his batting average around .290-.300 than I do his power sustaining itself (at least in 2010). I'll say Teix gets it back up, just because I know if I don't he'll hit .370 in the second half instead of .330. (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will the Yanks regret dealing Austin Jackson? If not this year, then ever?
(dianagramr from NYC)
Hey, Diana! A lot of it depends upon how well Curtis Granderson takes to New York. Do the contact lenses help? Can he restore his ability against lefties? Can the Yankees keep one of the two playoff spots that will inevitably come out of the AL East? If the answers to those are yes, not just this year but over the next few ones, I suspect they'll sleep OK no matter how Jackson does in Detroit. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-03-23 16:30:00 (link to chat)I'm in a 10 team, 5x5 mixed league roto, no keepers. I currently have Colby Rasmus, Austin Jackson, and Chris Young on my team as possibles for my 5th outfield spot. Steals are my weakest point offensively (project to finish in the bottom 3), so I'm also looking at Lastings Milledge and Scott Podsednik on the waiver wire. Who should I be starting to begin the season, and should I drop one of my OFs to pick up Milledge or Podsednik?
(Matt from California)
I'm not a fantasy baseball player actually, so it's tough to answer a question like this. I'll comment on the players rather than on their fantasy value. I will point out, though, that the question is not whether you are in bottom three in steals, but where the MARGINAL gains are. Are you particularly close to the 4th and 5th worst? Or are you in better striking distance of the better HR teams? As for Rasmus, I'm pretty bullish on his BABIP. He hits the ball hard and well. I'll have that up later this week. Similarly, I'm down on Chris Young's BABIP. I'm not sure he'll match his PECOTA projection unless he stops popping up so much. Milledge is always a question mark, and may not start. I see Podsednik being more likely to keep getting chances to steal. If Milledge stinks, the Pirates might not play him. (Matt Swartz)
2010-02-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)What's the most surprising comment you've heard about a prospect this year?
(Joel from San Francisco)
Hmmm....good question. Maybe that Aroldis Chapman has a chance to break camp with the Reds? I don't see it happening, but the speculation is out there. I'm surprised that Jim Leyland is talking about hitting Austin Jackson in the lead-off spot. My incliclation would be to let the kid ease in a little more slowly, perhaps as "the second lead-off hitter" in the nine hole.

And while it isn't a comment, per se, I'm intrigued by a conversation I had recently with Alex Hassan, a 2009 Red Sox draft pick out of Duke. Hassan was a two-way player in college and the Red Sox drafted him as a pitcher. Rather than sign right away, Hassan opted for the Cape Cod League where he continued to both pitch and play the outfield. He hit the hell out of the ball, so the Red Sox came back to him with a better offer -- to sign as an outfielder, which he did. What interests me is the fact that scouts -- for the same team -- either disagreed or changed their mind based on this. Hassan isn't a Casey Kelly-level prospect, certainly, but he has tools. (David Laurila)
2010-02-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Could you give a quick snapshot of your thoughts on the near future performances of Curtis Granderson, Austin Jackson, and Johnny Damon? Thanks.
(lemppi from Ankeny, IA)
If there was an offer from the White Sox, Johnny should have taken it, because he had a much better chance of continuing his park-generated power surge in Chicago than at Comerica, which really castrated left-handers last year. Granderson should benefit from making the opposite change of environment, though I don't expect him to be a 40-HR guy suddenly. Let's say consistency plus five to ten percent. Finally, I'm skeptical on Austin, who hasn't yet shown any power and who really slid off in the second half last year. He's interesting, but as we said in the book there's no evidence of his being an impact player right now. (Steven Goldman)
2010-01-19 15:30:00 (link to chat)Trade Stephen Drew, Austin Jackson and Budd Norris for David Freese, Scott Downs and CJ Wilson? In a dynasty league and have no relief pitching
(Jquinton82 from NY)
I don't usually answer fantasy questions, but you do know that the Rangers are going to try Wilson in the rotation this spring, right? Even if he does go back to the pen, seems to me you're overpaying. (Steven Goldman)
2010-01-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)Who will be the top 5 NL players who will make their major league debut in 2010?
(chaneyhey from stlouis)
Hmm, that's a toughie because it involves two variables that discount a player's expected value: likelihood of getting to the majors and expected production. We'll go with Heyward, Austin Jackson, Buster Posey, Jason Castro, and Madison Bumgarner. But that's basically an educated guess. (Tommy Bennett)
2010-01-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)And Austin Jackson isn't in the NL
(Adam from Seaside)
Okay, no more lists. Pedro Alvarez (Tommy Bennett)
2010-01-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Would the Tigers be crazy to start the season with Austin Jackson in CF, or can they get better production right now from an in house option?
(Kevin from MI)
Am I the only guy left who kinda likes Austin Jackson? Not in some impact way, but definitely in a solid every day guy kind of way. He should start opening day. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-12-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think the depth of OF, esp. in CF Heathcott, Duran, Sosa, etc. made A.Jackson expendable? Or was the bigger factor that he wouldn't be ready this year? What is your view of Granderson vs. Jackson?
(jbk from ny)
The fact that the Yankees could get Curtis Granderson made Austin Jackson expendable. Jackson is ready right now, and will likely start for Detroit. I think Granderson is a better overall player, but not by a ton. At the same time, I also think Granderson is the perfect fit for the Yankees. That was a strange trade where I think both the Yankees and Tigers did great -- the D-Backs . . . not so much. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-12-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)Since Austin Jackson was traded in the time between top 11s, is there any chance that we could get the report that was going to appear on the Yankees' list? Thanks Kevin.
(Jeff from Pittsburgh)
I'll address it briefly in the end section for you. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-12-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)Joe Sheehan, in his article and chat earlier this week, pretty confidently stated that Austin Jackson cannot be an average big league CF defensively, the only stated evidence being that he put in some time at corner OF in AAA last year. He sort of poo-pooed the trade (from a detroit perspective) based on his opinion that Jackson in a corner is 4th OF. Are you at all concerned that Jackson wont' stick in center throughout his 20s at least?
(don from lansing, MI)
I think Jackson will be just fine in center. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-12-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Granderson really that much of a better option than Mike Cameron for a year plus Austin Jackson's pre-arb years?
(wgobetz from jersey city, nj)
Austin Jackson isn't that good. Not enough glove to play CF, not enough bat to play a corner. Melky without the defense, if you prefer. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-09-29 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Steve, what do you think the Yankees should do for DH next year? Lots of folks are saying they need to keep it open as a revolving door for the older players (specifically Posada), but isn't that a dangerous thing to do? Don't they need to acquire an actual hitter for that spot? If those older players are really going to play so much DH, that means lots of plate appearances will go to inferior bench players. I don't like that at all. Maybe a trade for Adam Dunn makes sense? If not, how about Matsui or Thome on a one-year deal?
(Ralphus from Connecticut)
Keeping it open for Posada would be a swell idea if they had an equivalent bat to put behind the plate. If you're just opening up a spot for someone like Cervelli to be a regular, you're just hurting yourself. Now, say the Yankees traded for a youngish catcher with pop, someone like Chris Ianetta (alright, Ianetta hit .166 on the road this year, but bear with me) who, IIRC, will be arb-eligible this year. Then it makes sense to do that with Jorge, along the lines of the Yankees pushing Yogi Berra to LF from time to time to make room for Ellie Howard. I'd love to see Dunn as a Yankee, but don't think it will happen. In any case, my preference would be a solution along the lines I just suggested -- a DH rotation is fine provided you're not using it as a way to get an inferior bat in the lineup. If it gets a kid catcher in (one who will develop offensively) great. If it gets Austin Jackson in the lineup and Austin can contribute more than his translations suggest, great. If it gives Montero a place to play, great. Those things would all be better than giving another contract to a 35-40 year-old. (Steven Goldman)
2009-08-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)If you were Brian Cashman, what would you offer Johnny Damon to re-sign? 2 years for ?? million?
(Pete from Bronx)
It seems like the assumption now is that Damon should be brought back. Given that the Yankees don't have great alternatives (Austin Jackson's MLE doesn't inspire confidence)and the free agent class is not bursting with possibilities, maybe it's a reasonable assumption. I do worry about Damon being a product of Friendly YS II (or III, really), with only .273/.346/.459 rates on the road and declining defense. Two years would be my upper limit... I really wonder if Damon is going to last long enough to get 3,000 hits and wind up as a totally unexpected HOFer. It could happen. (Steven Goldman)
2009-07-31 14:00:00 (link to chat)Jerry Hairston? Did they miss Angel Berrora??
(Eli from Brooklyn)
Actually, he's a very good bench player, a nice addition for a team that usually has lousy benches.

Since we're here, it's interesting to note that what we start with isn't always what we end up with, which is why I wait for final confirmation before discussing these deals. The Hairston deal was first reported as Austin Jackson for him. Yonder Alonso was initially mentioned in the Rolen deal--he's not.

I really, truly hate analyzing rumors. It's a half-step up, maybe not that, from writing fiction. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-07-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)You're the Cleveland GM. I offer you Austin Jackson, Wilkin de la Rosa, David Robertson, and Edwar Ramirez for Cliff Lee. You take it?
(Robert O from NY)
I think I can do better. Just two prospects there. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Jackson, is he the type of player that we can count on to make an appearance this season?
(Mike from NJ)
He's played well enough that he should be on the short list as soon as there's another injury to an outfield. Actually, there is no short list. He IS the list. It would be nice if he hit a HR or two, but he hasn't done anything to hurt his cause that I can see. (Steven Goldman)
2009-03-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for chatting Steve. Any chance Austin Jackson gets a chance in CF this year for the Yanks if, A) he's showing progress and having a good year in AAA and B)Gardner and Melky dont pan out?
(Norm from Cheers)
Lots of Yankees questions today, stands to reason with me here... Given the situation that you posit, it would seem logical, though the Yankees being the Yankees, I'd expect them to pursue a veteran solution first... Keep in mind, re Jackson, to expect solid, not spectacular. There isn't really the suggestion of coming star in what he's done so far. (Steven Goldman)
2009-02-16 14:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think the odds are that Austin Jackson could, in a mid-season callup, out-perform Brett Melkner? ;) Also, do you think such a callup would be bad for his development?
(Rob from CT)
I think he'll easily be better than either Gardner or Melky. As far as being bad for his development, that would depend on how things are going at the time, but I'd generally say it'd be fine. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-12-23 14:00:00 (link to chat)Now that the Yankees have Tex, what do you think of their offeason? It seems pretty good, albeit insanely expensive. What would their ideal lineup be, with the Matsui/Damon/Melky/Swisher/Nady outfield mess?
(Eli from Brooklyn)
I like it, and I like that mess--Nady gets used as a platoon player, as he should be, Damon and Matsui DH a lot, and you mark time in center until Austin Jackson's ready. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-11-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Steve; Will Phil Coke be a starter or reliever in NY or Scranton? Will Brett Gardner really be the opening day starting centerfielder?
(Eric from Manorville)
My own sense of Coke's development is that the bullpen would be a better fit, but the Yankees seem to be ambivalent at this point. I don't see the harm of giving him a year in the pen and putting off the decision for awhile (it worked for Kenny Rogers, sort of) either way. As for Gardner, my sense is they're looking for alternatives. It's actually a difficult choice, as success or failure on Gardner's part is a question of ten singles falling in or getting caught. I don't think he's an impact player either way, but he could certainly hold down the position for a bridge year or half a year until Austin Jackson shows he can be more of a producer in center. (Steven Goldman)
2008-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)If the Yankees don't end up with Teixeira, and Swisher ends up at first, doesn't signing Jim Edmonds make sense as a placeholder until Austin Jackson can come up?
(Charlie from Bethesda, MD)
Is it Edmonds in San Diego or Chicago? And would someone please tell me what changed when he switched teams?
To answer the question, no, I don't think so. (Will Carroll)
2008-11-03 13:30:00 (link to chat)OK, same question I ask everyone at these chats: who mans CF for the Yanks next year? Another year of Melky, hoping he pans out? Hope Damon holds down the fort for a year, and pray that Austin Jackson is the answer? Someone else? Can Milton Bradley play center anymore?
(shamah from NYC)
I think the question describes how far standards for center-field play have fallen in New York, thanks to the downslope of Bernie Williams' career. Bradley? No. Damon? No. Melky... if this wasn't a win-now kind of club, sure, but the Yankees have their ambitions, and the clock's ticking on how much longer you can contend with the Jeter/A-Rod combo. In the absence of great options on the market, and in light of Jeter's problems afield, I'd suggest they move the Captain to center now, while anticipating that eventually Jackson's the answer. Then, decide if you want to put A-Rod at short is still feasible, or dip into a market that has some veteran shortstops who can play or do the Pirates a favor and take on Jack Wilson's contract.

I know, it isn't going to happen, but you'd think that if the Captain would agree to play somewhere else--and have some value as a hitter--a marquee position like center would work for him. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-09-16 13:00:00 (link to chat)I think John might have mixed up Little Big League for Rookie of the Year, which Stern actually directed. And no Daniel Stern list is complete without that great piece of cinematic glory, "Celtic Pride." Any thoughts on the Yanks CF situation? Are you in the camp that thinks they need to go outside of the organization to fill that need?
(Tim from Sonoma, CA)
It depends on how soon Austin Jackson will be coming along. I have a lot of questions about Austin here, about whether he should be playing right now or not. I believe he has some minor physical problems, so I guess not. Also, as bad as Brett Gardner has been, and he's been mighty bad - -7.8 VORP in 99 plate appearances is special - it's almost as bad as what Jose Molina has been able to do in a whole season...

Steve pauses to address technical problems as his mouse refuses to mouse to where it's supposed to...

Trenton is a tough place to hit, and Jackson batted .311/.388/.496 on the road, so he's a bit further along than he looked. Say the physical problems resolve and he plays some good lookin' winter ball (can't recall if he's slated or not), or even if he just comes to spring training and looks good, he could be ready right quickly. I think the Yankees can kite along with Gardner and a fourth outfielder type to be signed later (heck, maybe that's Melky, who can at least field) until Jackson earns his chance. (Steven Goldman)
2008-09-16 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do the Yankees decide to sign Pettitte to a 1-year deal during the offseason considering how he has pitched of late, or do they just try to sign Moose to a 1-year? The Yankees have to try to sign one of them to help with stability in the rotation... As for Austin Jackson, he does have a slight back problem (he's in New York for an MRI) and will be playing in the AFL...
(Steph from California)
Hi there, Steph. I'm kind of ambivalent about Pettitte. My sense is that it's time to move on, but I don't want to overreact to what could just be a kind of slump and some bad defensive play behind him. I also feel like the Yankees should not be overly discouraged by Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, et al and should keep some slots open for the young, because they have to get younger. I know they're going to turn their back on them for every Tom, Dick, and Pavano out there, but that's my feeling... If Jackson is healthy, I think he'll put up very good numbers in the AFL. (Steven Goldman)
2008-09-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of DeJesus going to the Yankees? He's probably relatively cheap, they can play Nady in RF, Damon in LF, Matsui at DH, and let Austin Jackson spend more time in the minors. Seems like a great stopgap solution to me.
(Charlie from Bethesda, MD)
Just judging from the number of calls to draft/steal/acquire David DeJesus, there seems to be a lot of sentiment in favor of getting him in this chat room, but I guess like you I wonder if this doesn't just reproduce the problem with getting Damon in the first place--if the guy can't really help you as a center fielder, he's going to have to do some extraordinary hitting to help you otherwise. The talk of moving Damon to first is interesting, however... with DeJesus, sure, it would be a patch, but I think Jackson's the eventual answer, and if they stick with Melky and Brett Turner in the meantime, that beats doing something like repeating the exercise of giving Terrence Long a last stop. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-09-09 13:30:00 (link to chat)So who should the Yanks start as CF next season? Does Melky get another chance? Just stick Damon out there to keep it warm for Austin Jackson for antoher season? What's Plan C: Brett Gardner?
(shamah from NYC)
It can't be Damon. It just can't. I'd run Cabrera, who's still just 24 next year, out there one more time, and if it failed, go outside the organization in-season. That said, I have no credibility when it comes to Cabrera. I don't see an obvious external answer on the FA market. There are some contracts you might be able to buy--Wells, perhaps. Rowand? Matthews is terrible. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-09-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do the Yankees do with Melky in the offseason? This season was a disaster! Do they keep Damon there next year to keep it warm for Austin Jackson? Give Melky anoter chance?
(shamah from NYC)
I suspect Melky gets another chance. Damon already talks about how much he'd like to remain a DH, and his play in center seems to bear that out. (Derek Jacques)
2008-09-03 14:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Jackson hasn't done much in the past few weeks/months. Was last seasons breakout for real? I don't think this kid is going to be as good as a lot of people think..
(Joe Lefko from NJ)
I think he's going to be plenty good, solid starting CF, occasional all-star possibilities. That might not be a total stud, but that's still awfully good. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-08-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)If the Yanks are smart, and I think Cashman is, and I think (hope) he stays - isn't the wiser move to forget 2009 and prepare for 2010, or even 2011? You don't have to say it - they never would - and its not like attendance will fall, what with the Stadium v2.0 opening . . . Doing this doesn't preclude signing CC or Tex (or both), just being realistic, even if only internally
(Shaun P. from Medway, MA)
Maybe you're right, but I don't know if it will get better by then, because the position guys under contract will be going soft and moldy by then, and who are the position players in the system coming up behind Austin Jackson to replace them? Not that Austin Jackson looks like Mickey Mantle either. Jesus Montero might not be ready by then. There is very little to look forward to in that regard. The Yankees have obviously had some success drafting pitching, but the Yankees couldn't find a position player prospect even if the player had I HAVE BEEN POSSESSED BY LOU GEHRIG'S RESTLESS SOUL floating in fiery letters above his head. I could see Hughes or Kennedy or both suddenly clicking in next year and making things look a lot better, but on the whole I'm not real optimistic about the Decaying Derek Jeter Era. (Steven Goldman)
2008-08-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)okay given the yanks want Austin Jackson as the future CF but he's not ready, and you need someone for the (improbable / impossible) stretch race to the playoffs, what do you do then?
(DanLong from WFC)
You play Gardner for now. That said, we have the Yankees with a 2.4% of making the playoffs. That's a 42-1 longshot. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-07-29 16:00:00 (link to chat)Padres trade: Adrian Gonzalez, Greg Maddux, Heath Bell Yankees send: Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, Cano and a throw-in of Kei Igawa
(dcoonce from bloomington, indiana)
You've been at Nick's early, haven't you? (Will Carroll)
2008-07-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)Any chance Girardi and Co. listen to Goldman and Brett Gardner steals Melky's job in CF?
(Michael from Toronto)
Sure; but both are probably placeholders for Austin Jackson eventually. (Jeff Erickson)
2008-07-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Jackson over Jose Tabata? And when will we see them playing for the yankees? Could we see Jackson as a September call-up? What is Melky Cabrera's future?
(Mike from NY)
Melky's future: 4th outfielder. Jackson looks a lot closer to being ready than Tabata, who has really regressed this season. Jackson could be an August callup, even, if Melky and/or Gardner don't produce soon. (Jeff Erickson)
2008-06-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Wouldn't trading Melky Cabrera eliminate an appealling stopgap replacement for Abreu in RF next season? Especially if they sign Teixeira and can afford to carry a Gardner/Cabrera/debuting Austin Jackson/Betemit/Duncan platoon in CF and RF?
(Tony from Brooklyn, NY)
I have long been on record as not believing in "carrying" a bat... And what would be the point of signing a Teixeira if it just took a problem and shifted it elsewhere. The whole point is to get better, not tread water. Cabrera would be below replacement in RF. What's the average RF hitting just now (checking)? Let's say about .272/.340/.440. I don't think you get that from Melky.

Dad put Mom on the phone. Definitely can't hang up on Mom, but I'm done now. What a day. (Steven Goldman)
2008-06-17 15:00:00 (link to chat)Wang's down, and the bullpen needs help. The Astros are now under .500. How about Valverde and Oswalt for Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson?
(wilk75 from Houston)
No freakin' way. Oswalt hasn't pitched well this year while dealing with hip and/or groin problems, and while he's a very, very good pitcher at his best, and Valverde is pretty decent, it's tough to justify trading two guys who are nowhere near their arbitration eligibility for that combo. (Jay Jaffe)
2008-01-31 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm not sure I get the sudden love for Austin Jackson. How does one outstanding half season transform an chronic underachiever into a top prospect? Don't you need to see more?
(Tom from Palm Bay, Fl)
You need to see more, yes. But the thing is, and this is where the scouting aspect becomes very important, is that Jackson has the tools and athleticism to justify such a breakout. I don't think it's a fluke as much as him finally playing to his tools. (Kevin Goldstein)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableAustin Jackson with his first MLB hit in the inning BTW. (David Laurila)
 

PITCHf/x Hitter Profile

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