Prospect in the Spotlight: Conor Jackson (D'Backs)Daniel PaullingAugust 5, 2005 Name: Conor Jackson Team: Arizona Diamondbacks Ht/Wt: 6-3/210 Position: 1B B/T: R/R Acquired: 1st Round of 2003 draft, 19th overall
The Statistics The statistics tell the story of Conor Jackson. This is a kid who can flat out put them up! The only time the first baseman’s batting average was not over .300 was his freshman year at the University of California. The first year in college is usually the hardest because it’s a completely different lifestyle, plus the competition is going to be a little bit better. Jackson still hit .288 with an OBP of .391. Jackson’s sophomore and junior years were the beginning of his dramatic career rise. Not only did he rake, but he did so like an experienced New Englander in October. Jackson began hitting for power, as witnessed by his sixteen homers and .691 SLG. The third year at the collegiate level was more of the same: pure gravy to raise his stock in the upcoming draft. However, somehow Jackson dropped to the 19th overall pick. How could 18 teams pass over him? Of that, I’m not sure, but the future star continued to hit. His batting averages are just flat out amazing! His adjustment to a wood bat took about one AB, as he hit .319 in Class A, skipping rookie level ball. In High A Jackson hit .345 and .301 in Double A at age 22. This wasn’t a sample size of ten games and thirty-nine at bats, rather a full half season at both places. Earlier this season, Jackson just kept hitting the ball with a .354 average in Triple A, again in extended time. Throughout his rise through the minor leagues, Jackson has always kept his on-base percentage high, never dipping below .367. When beginning a discussion about plate discipline, no one can overlook his near 1 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio, which is superb. The only thing lacking in Jackson’s statistical breakdown is the number of home runs. For someone about to play a position considered by many to be more important offensively than defensively, power is a necessity. While he has not hit plenty of bombs, Jackson has hit a lot of doubles, a sure future sign of home run power. The Scouts It is a completely unanimous decision amongst scouts: Conor Jackson is going to be the next big name. The men with the notebooks rave about how Jackson’s swing is as sweet as a freshly picked orange. His swing has very few holes in it, as a result of great mechanics. He will also add power to his bat very soon, because that is the last thing to develop. Conor Jackson played a little bit of outfield prior to moving to first, and his defensive range was not too good. He would’ve been adequate, but no one would’ve confused him for a Gold Glove winner. The move to first base is an excellent one, and Jackson will need to work a little bit around the bag. Before this season is done, scouts believe Jackson will be good enough to remain at first for his career. The Future Conor Jackson made his major league debut July 28, with his first major league start coming on July 29. He is, without a single doubt in my mind, ready for the Big Leagues and his bat might propel the Diamondbacks to contention, a la Miguel Cabrera in 2003 for the Florida Marlins. Jackson could be putting up 1999 Todd Helton (.320/.395/.587 with 35 bombs and 113 RBI) numbers within three or four years. For more of Daniel's work feel free to check out his blog here at At Home Plate |
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