Mariners' Alex Jackson: Will remain in extended spring training
Jackson will be held back in extended spring training this year, Baseball America's J.J. Cooper reports.
Cooper notes that this is relatively unprecedented for a former first round pick. Of the 87 high school outfielders and infielders (catchers weren't taken into account) taken in the top 30 picks from 2001 to 2014, Jackson will be the first healthy, non-suspended player of those 87 to be held back in extended spring training in his second full pro season. The new regime is sending a message that players will have to earn their promotions, after the prior regime was often accused of rushing top prospects through the minors at the expense of their development. While this may appear to push back Jackson's ETA, it is probably a positive for his overall development, and fantasy owners should no longer have to blame the Mariners' organization for the underperformance of highly touted prospects.
