The Chicago Cubs have reportedly ink starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to a 4-year contract worth 52 million. The deal does not include a no-trade cause, which isn’t news. The Cubs have signed (so far) 4 starting pitchers and 2 relief pitchers. They’re wiping the free agent class for starting pitchers, but should be done now.
The Jackson news broke more heavily a few days ago when the Cubs and Texas Rangers were reportedly the final suitors for Jackson. News gain more steam after the Cubs were said to have a deal in place for Carlos Villanueva. That was brought to us by David Kaplan, of whom has been on his game this off-season.
Jackson is 29-years old and the Cubs will be his 8th team that he would have played for. He was technically on 9 teams, but never played for them. He was traded 2 times in the off-season and nevered played for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jackson has great potential, but has been pretty inconsistent in his career. Just in 2012, Jackson was 10-11 with a 4.03 earn run average in 189.2 innings. His walk to K ratio is good, but not great. Jackson walked 58 and struck out 168. He can get wild at times and let’s hope we don’t see a lot of that from him.
I think the Cubs may have overpaid for him, but I think Jackson will be a big boost to the team. As of right now, he’s looking like the 3rd starter. Counting on Garza and Baker will be healthy. I see the starting rotation like this … Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Scott Feldman and Scott Baker. I think Travis Wood will be the left-handed long relief pitcher out of the bullpen. I think if he has to stay in the bullpen for most of his career – he can be very effective and be like Sean Marshall. Also, I expect Carlos Villanueva to pitch out of the ‘pen as the right-handed long relief pitcher and a spot starter.
With the Cubs signing 4 starting pitchers mentioned above, they have also re-signed RP Shawn Camp and signed RP Kyuji Fujikawa.
The Cubs have said they want to build as much pitching depth as they can and they have done so. The Cubs are reportedly still looking into signing another RP.
Side note: The Cubs announced the signing of Carlos Villanueva. He was signed to a 2-year contract worth 10 million. Just like Jackson, the deal is pending a physical.
As of right now, the Cubs 40-man roster currently stands at 40 players. The Cubs are going to have to clear 3 spots for OF Nate Schierholtz, SP Edwin Jackson and P Carlos Villanueva. I don’t know what the Cubs will do and any player the Cubs DFA will be claimed. That’s what I think, at least. In my own opinion, I think a trade could be on the horizon.
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