This article was originally published at TwinsMVB.com.
The 2010 Detroit Tigers are an odd blend of veterans and rookies. Plenty of young players will get their chance in the spotlight this year. Here are some of the more notable rookies that the Twins will need to keep their eyes on this season:
Austin Jackson, CF, 23 years old
Jackson was the key part of the trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees this offseason. Although he hasn’t garnered any major-league experience yet, he should receive significant time in center field for the Tigers in 2010. He may even be their primary lead-off hitter.
Originally an 8th-round selection of the Yankees in the 2005 draft, Jackson began his career as an 18-year old in the GCL. He hit .304/.374/.405 in forty games. Jackson spent 2006 in the Sally league, where he hit .260/.340/.346 while striking out 151 times. He did steal 37 bases, but his lack of power and patience was concerning.
The next year, 2007, saw an improved walk rate and a .120-point jump in slugging percentage. Tallying 13 home runs across three levels, Jackson stole 33 bases and raised his on-base percentage to an impressive .370. He showed the promise of a lead-off hitter with some pop in his bat.
Jackson spent the entirety of 2008 in Double-A, where he regressed in just about every area. Spending last season in Triple-A, Jackson hit .300/.354/.405 with a horrible strikeout rate.
Although he isn’t an “elite” prospect, Jackson still provides excellent athleticism, above-average arm strength, and great defensive ability at a key position. His PECOTA projection for 2010 is .271/.332/.411 with 18 stolen bases and lots of strikeouts. Sort of like Carlos Gomez, except with the ability to make contact at an acceptable clip.
The Twins should be aware that a lot of their hits to the gap this season will be caught by Jackson, who was recruited by Georgia Tech as a point guard. For Minnesota pitchers, though, retiring Jackson should require little more than painting the corners and hoping Jackson’s trigger-happy swing fails to make contact.
Due to Jackson’s speed, though, if the ball is put in play, all bets are off.
