Jackson heads north with Tribe
CLEVELAND Zach Jackson has experienced quite a bit since he made his major league debut back in 2006.
He's worked as a starting pitcher and relief pitcher. He's been traded twice including once for a Cy Young winner and pitched in both the National and American leagues.
He's also pitched in his hometown, when the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted Milwaukee.
But Jackson will experience another first this season, opening the campaign on a major-league roster.
Jackson, 25, will be in uniform for the Cleveland Indians today when they open the 2009 season on the road against the Texas Rangers.
"I told my parents you have to expect the worst and hope for the best," said Jackson. "This is unchartered territory for me, breaking with the team. I've never done that.
"I couldn't say I expected to be there, but I was very optimistic. I was hopeful. That was my goal. They told me coming into spring training I'd be competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. There was a lot of competition with five or six other guys," Jackson added.
It would eventually be whittled down to two before Jackson was sent to the bullpen, most likely to give the Indians a long reliever should they need it.
For the spring, Jackson was 1-2 with a 6.52 ERA and one save, He allowed 22 hits in 19Z\c innings with eight strikeouts and just three walks.
Still, the ERA was a bit deceptive, according to Jackson.
"It was a really frustrating spring just because I threw the ball well," said Jackson. "It was similar when I got called up last year. I felt the numbers just didn't do it justice.
"In Arizona (for spring training), it's like a concrete jungle. Baseballs just shoot straight through the infield, but you have to look at the positives. I felt I threw the ball well and the coaches see that kind of thing. By no means am I a finished product," he added.
Jackson had two starts in his seven appearances, allowing 22 hits overall.
"I piggybacked a lot, meaning I followed a lot of other guys to get innings," said Jackson. "I moved to the bullpen with Milwaukee. All I've ever known was being a starting pitcher."
Jackson has talked with Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and had a similar path starting out like Jackson.
""He said he started out in the pen and got his feet under him. He got to establish himself as a pitcher. It clicked and he got his opportunity to start. That's where he is today.
"Maybe this will lead to an opportunity to start or maybe my calling is in the bullpen. We'll see how that pans out," Jackson added.
The Indians went 34-21 over the final two months of the season and began to showcase a bevy of young talent that may allow the Indians to make a push in the American League Central Division race this season, an idea that excites Jackson.
"It was pretty special last year to be a part of the team," said Jackson. "The way everyone was clicking, statistically and argumentatively, we were the best team in the second half.
"Everyone is optimistic and excited. Everyone knows the talent is here and is fired up about the season," Jackson added.
