Zach Jackson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #16 prospect in 2007
  With Prince Fielder ready for the majors, the Brewers traded Lyle Overbay to the Blue Jays for Dave Bush, Gabe Gross and Jackson at the 2005 Winter Meetings. Milwaukee needed help when Ben Sheets and Tomo Ohka were sidelined at the same time last year, and Jackson was one of many rookies who got a chance to earn a permanent spot in the rotation. He showed an effective arsenal, but was inconsistent in seven big league starts. He was inconsistent in Triple-A as well and has never dominated in the upper levels, allowing more hits than innings over the course of his career. With an average 88-91 mph fastball, Jackson has to work his cutter inside on righthanders to be successful. His sweeping curve and average changeup aren't reliable pitches, leaving Jackson to get by with his hard stuff and funky delivery. Because his offspeed pitches were erratic, hitters can figure out his herky-jerky delivery and get better swings the second time through the lineup. Jackson works quickly but sometimes relies on his cutter too much and gives up too many hits. Until he develops more reliable offspeed pitches, it is difficult to project Jackson in the big league rotation. He may eventually slide into a relief role. The fact that he throws strikes and doesn't back down works in his favor.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #10 prospect in 2006
  Jackson tied for the minor league lead with 16 wins, pitched in the Futures Game and reached Triple-A in his first full season. But when the Blue Jays set their sights on Lyle Overbay, they parted with Jackson and big leaguers David Bush and Gabe Gross in a Winter Meetings trade. Jackson works quickly with a quirky crossfire motion that makes his pitches look faster than they are. Armed with an 83-89 mph cutter, he's able to get it in on the hands of righthanders. He also throws a two-seam fastball at 88-92 mph, a tick above average for a southpaw, and a sweeping curve he uses to expand the zone against lefties. His changeup is average and he controls it well. Jackson makes quick adjustments but proved much more hittable in Triple-A, partly because he relied on his cutter too much. He also seemed to give Triple-A batters too much credit and didn't pitch as aggressively as he did in the lower minors. Jackson is a strike-thrower who keeps his defense in games. His ceiling is as a mid-rotation starter. Expected to open 2006 in Triple-A, he could contribute in Milwaukee before the season is out.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #8 prospect in 2005
  After emerging in the Cape Cod League in 2003, Jackson transferred from Louisville to Texas A&M and spun a seven-inning no-hitter in his first start for the Aggies. The Blue Jays targeted both David Purcey and Jackson with the No. 16 overall pick, and were thrilled Jackson was still on the board for them at No. 32. He signed for $1.0175 million. Jackson has more polish than Purcey. His mechanics and easy arm action allow him to command three effective pitches. He hides his tailing 89-93 mph fastball well, and he'll cut it on occasion. He also throws a deceptive circle changeup and an improved slider with late depth. Jackson does a good job of pitching inside and locating his fastball. Jackson doesn't have a true swing-and-miss pitch. He relies more on setting hitters up, making them hit his pitch and depending on his defense to make plays. The Blue Jays limited Jackson to 50 pitches in each of his four pro starts after he worked a staff-high 121 innings at Texas A&M during the spring. He should be a workhorse in the long run, however, and he'll join Purcey in the Dunedin rotation in 2005.