Jackson

TORONTO — Zach Jackson is on the move again, only this time he's back where he started.

The 2001 Seneca Valley graduate, who pitched in three games for the Cleveland Indians last season, was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays last weekend, the team that took him in the first round of the 2004 draft.

The Indians removed Jackfrom their 40-man roster in September and sent him outright to Columbus, their Class AAA affiliate.

"Actually, it was a pretty unique situation," said Jackson. "The Indians talked to my agent and the situation came up. Not by any means were they kicking me out the door, but they had the courtesy to ask if I wanted to shop around and see if there was any interest.

"We put out an e-mail to the other teams. It was a little late for signings. I didn't expect a lot of interest right now, but a few teams popped up. I almost got to pick who I would get traded to," he added.

It turned out to be the Blue Jays.

"They had the most interest. I've got a history with them," Jackson said. "They have some great coaches there. I was in a great position with the Indians, but as far as the Blue Jays, that's who I started with.

"They gave me some great advice, got me going and I took off. I'm looking to take this opportunity, to utilize these same guys to get where I want to be," he added.

Last season, Jackson, 26, was 0-0 with a 9.35 ERA and 10 strikeouts with four walks. With Columbus, he was 4-8 with a 6.05 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 33 walks.

Jackson spent time as a starter and a reliever with both teams.

Jackson most likely would have started next season with the Indians in Class AAA, but with the Blue Jays, he was invited to the major-league camp.

"I'll see where that takes me," said Jackson. "Anything can happen, but in baseball, you assume the worst and hope for the best.

"Right now, the worst-case scenario would be starting the season in Triple A," Jackson added.

The trade, which was for a player to be named later, is Jackson's third since December 2005. He made a rapid rise through the Blue Jays system in 2005, starting in Class A Dunedin, then class A New Hampshire and Class AAA Syracuse.

His 16-8 record in 2005 contained the most wins by any minor league pitcher that season, but he was traded to Milwaukee in the offseason.

He split the 2006 season with the Brewers and Class AAA Nashville and spent the entire 2007 season in Nashville.

Jackson was traded to Cleveland the following year and spent time at Columbus and Cleveland, just as he did last season.

Jackson admits the trades can get a little frustrating, but has always found the positives in each.

"Going from team to team, you're just another body. But I am excited about Toronto," Jackson said. "They were interested in me and that's what they talked about. It's a case of unfinished business. They know my potential. That's why they drafted me as high as they did.

"You do what each team wants you to do and you lose your identity. I want to try and get back on track. Can I be successful? Hopefully, I can be in Toronto."