Detroit is in need of shedding some salary after having committed $100 million to only 10 of their players. It looks like Edwin Jackson may be the man in the cross hairs. Joel Sherman is tweeting that the Mets will be interested if it is confirmed that Jackson is available. In a separate, independent article, Foxsports is reporting on Jackson being available. Seems like this story has some teeth to it since multiple news sources are discussing it.
The Mets need to jump all over this. I mean now. Jackson is an emerging number 2 starter that has built up successfully in the AL over the last three years. Here is what I see in a quick breakdown of his stats from the last 3 seasons, 2007-2009.
- Innings have increased each year with career high 214 last season.
- Walks decreased each year from a walk every 2 innings in '06 to a walk every 3 innings in '07.
- Hits allowed decreased dramatically over the 3 seasons. Now allowing less than a hit/inning.
- Strikeouts have risen to career high of 161 last season
Everything points in the right direction for this guy and he is doing it in the AL. I know he is in the Central, but it is the AL, DH and all. Please do not tell me about his weak finish. I am aware of it. I do not think it is anything to be concerned with. My thoughts? Consider it a pitcher breaking 200 innings for the first time. Or, maybe he hit a rough spot.
What I do know is that he is exactly what the Mets need. The best part about it is that he only made $2.2 million last year and won't break the bank. This would allow the Mets to bring in additional pitching help (Lackey? Halladay?, Wolf). Minaya will certainly be in on this. The question is, how many other teams will as well? Also, how much will it cost the team that gets him?
Comments