Drafted in the 10th round (296th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004 (signed for $15,000).
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Clemson also could produce a spate of later draftees, with arm strength pitchers RHP Steven Jackson one of the best bets. Jackson hit 94 early in his career but lacks a feel for his craft.
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The Yankees added four pitchers to their 40-man roster in the offseason, including Jackson. He's all that's left from the Randy Johnson trade with the Diamondbacks, as the Yankees have dealt off Alberto Gonzalez, Ross Ohlendorf and Luis Vizcaino. Jackson struggled for most of his first two years in the system but finally found a consistent arm slot and started throwing strikes in 2008. He has a low-90s sinker and pounds the bottom of the strike zone. He previously lacked a putaway pitch and was too predictable with his modest slider. With a higher arm angle, he was able to add some tilt to his slider, making it an average pitch. His new slot allows him to elevate his fastball more easily, making his plus splitter more effective. Jackson has a shot at earning a big league job but likely will work with Anthony Claggett at the back of Scranton's 2009 bullpen.
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