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08 Jan 2009 |
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Tweet me!During the Arizona Fall League I had the opportunity to talk with New York Yankee's number one prospect according to Baseball America, Austin Jackson. Here's a transcript of our conversation. Paul Greco : Your 2008 season was pretty much your coming out party. Your name was brought up in a lot of trade rumors, especially when the Yankees were looking to get C.C Sabathia, what was that like during into the season?Austin Jackson : I tend not to think to much about it, I know it's a business and trades happen. It just something that happens in baseball. You play with a lot of guys that get traded, and you i's just one of those things thats unexpected. They tell you ever time you hit the field your your playing for other teams out there too. You know I try not to worry about to much and just try and go out there and play my game. Paul : What does it mean to you to know that the Yankees think so highly of you that they wanted to keep you in pinstripes, and every time your name come up in a trade, the Yankees said no? Austin Jackson : It's an honor. You have to keep that goal in mind and try to stay focused and hopefully one day make it to the big leagues. Paul Greco : We're here at the Arizona Fall League and I'm sure the Yankees asked you to work on things, what was it the Yankees told you, you need to work on?  Austin Jackson : I think just being more consistent is the big thing. I have personal goals I set for myself like cutting down on strike outs and the Yankees agree with that You know trying to make better contact and be more consistent and cut down on strike outs.Paul Greco : The scouting reports out now are saying you're having difficulties with the outside pitch, especially curve balls on the outside part of the plate, is that something you're looking to work on while you're here? Austin Jackson : Ya definitely. It's something I've always struggled with and going the other way with the ball. I just have to trust my hands. At times I just get pull happy a little bit and just not trusting my hands so that's definitely something I'm working on. Paul Greco : 2008 season has ended and 2009 is right around the corner, what are some of your expectations going into the 2009 season? Austin Jackson : In the off season I want to put on a little weight and get stronger so I can go into spring training ready. One thing is to cut down on strike outs and make more contact. When I have two strikes I need to lay off of bad pitches. Paul Greco : Have the Yankees talked to you about where you might play next season? Austin Jackson : No they haven't said anything to me yet. They normally wait till spring training, but where ever they want to put me that's good for me. Paul Greco : Do you think your ready to join the Yankees right now? Austin Jackson : Oh most definitely. I think I can help the team with my defense and my offense will come around. Hopefully they give me a shot, and if they do, I make the best of the opportunity.
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Comments (5)
  written by MichaelMuschiano, January 08, 2009
With the logjam the Yankees have created for themselves in the outfield for 2009, I doubt Jackson is at the major league level for an extended period of time this year. Of course, there is the possibility of injury and the Yankees have certainly been hit by that bug the last couple years pretty hard. Regardless, I agree with you Paul about the potential this kid has. Another thing saber guys might say is he hits for 60 points lower than his BABIP. Well, the guy has tremendous speed, and putting the bat on the ball will get him on base more times than not.
I don't see him having a 2009 impact with the Yanks, but I do see him making a play for starting in CF in a couple years. But hey, maybe I'm wrong, they did give Melky Cabrera a chance to start in center within a couple years of inking Johnny Damon to a 4-year contract.
written by MikePodhorzer, January 08, 2009
That's definitely all positive signs for Jackson's future. So now again, it just comes down to him actually producing on this potential!
written by Paul Greco, January 08, 2009
Mike, you know I love the saber guys. But, you also know I have one problem with them too. Sometimes saber guys get all caught up in the numbers. Yes the numbers are real, I understand that. But, lets also take into consideration here the make up of the player. The three scouts I spoke to while at the Arizona Fall league all marveled at the fact that Austin Jackson matured as a person and a player. He was more willing to listen to instruction and understands the issues he needs to conquer in order to make it to the big league club. Here's a number I like to look at for minor leagues, 33 doubles last year. That usually translates into potential HR power at the major league level. That is why I said, a coming out party : Maturity, development, willing to learn and understanding of faults.
--PAUL
written by MikePodhorzer, January 08, 2009
Is a .773 OPS in Double-A really a coming out party? He seems to strike out too much for a guy who hasn't really shown much power. He looks like another of the Jose Tabata/Fernando Martinez mold whose actual production still hasn't matched his supposed potential.
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Good job Paul.