Edwin Jackson Wants to Pitch in 2020
There is something special about a baseball player who just wants to keep playing the game he loves and enjoys, and, certainly, Edwin Jackson is one of those players. Jackson set an MLB record in 2019 when he pitched for his 14th team and is looking for a chance to pitch in 2020.
Edwin Jackson Enters the League
Not many people know or remember that the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Jackson as an outfielder in 2001. They quickly converted him to a starting pitcher after coaches saw a blazing 98-100 MPH fastball. He was even regarded as a potential ace for the Dodgers and drew comparisons to a young Dwight Gooden.
In those two years, he went from a high school outfielder to a potential pitching star. He made his major league debut on September 9, 2003, his 20th birthday. In that game, he pitched six innings, giving up one run, and outpitched Arizona Diamondbacks Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson to earn his first career major league victory.
Never Lived up to Expectations, but Has Some Highlights
Regarded as a top pitching prospect and a future ace for the Dodgers, he never lived up to his expectations. He could not get big league hitters out on a consistent basis and has dealt with control issues his whole career. Jackson’s career ERA of 4.78 is the third highest in MLB history for pitchers with at least 300 starts.
However, the career of Jackson has had some outstanding highlights. He won a World Series in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals after they traded for him. He threw a no-hitter with the Diamondbacks in 2010 . While with the Detroit Tigers, he was chosen to play the All-Star Game in 2009 and has two career home runs.
Jackson has never been on the injured list with arm troubles or inflammation. Former teammates have called him a fun-loving, dedicated player and an upstanding teammate who loves playing the game.
Where Jackson Might Pitch in 2020
Edwin Jackson would like to return for the 2020 season. He would accept a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training for an opportunity to win a spot. It doesn’t matter to him — he’ll be a back-end starter or go to the bullpen. For a team that needs a reliable veteran to take the ball every five days, this could be their guy.
If he signs, let’s see if it is for one of the 16 teams for whom he has not yet pitched. Set that record higher and keep it going! Teams he has not pitched for are the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. All those teams could use a back-end-rotation-starter or even a bullpen arm.
Here is hoping that Edwin Jackson will continue to pitch for whatever team will have him in 2020. Who knows, maybe he will be traded during the season to make it 16 teams he has pitched for.
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