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12/7/13

Draft 14 - A Quick Look - C - Alex Jackson - Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS


Alex Jackson

 

6-6-13 - John (Minneapolis) - In 2014, Can Alex Jackson be the exception to the HS catcher history like Mauer was?  -  Keith Law - Maybe. I want to see him more, but was very impressed in a brief look last summer.

 

6-9-13  -  3.Alex Jackson, INF/C (California HS): The most complete high school player available. It seems likely that teams would prefer him at third once he goes pro, even though he’s quite good behind the plate. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-11-13 - 3. Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS, Calif.: A two-time participant in the Under Armour game, Jackson has some serious raw power from the right side and is a good leader with an accurate arm. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50293726&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_50293726

 

6-12-13 - One of the top hitters at the Area Code Games as a sophomore, Alex Jackson was among the national leaders in home runs again this year with 14. He batted .343 with 33 RBIs while leading Rancho Bernardo to the San Diego Section Open Division championship. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/E9UKfOG1wUq1fo3tzHLHgw/top-10-high-school-baseball-players-to-watch-for-2014-mlb-draft.htm

 

6-13-13 - Clint Longenecker ‏@Clint_BA29m - Alex Jackson (CA) is showing why he is one of the best top players to watch for the 2014 after depositing a few homers into deep right center

 

6-13-13 - Perfect Game USA‏@PerfectGameUSA - Besides Gettys 100 mph OF throw, Alex Jackson (CA) threw 98 mph and Monte Harrison (MO) 97 mph from the outfield! #PGNational

 

6-13-13  -  6. Toronto Blue Jays — Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) - The 6’-2”, 210 pound right-hander will be one of the top power hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. Over 35 games as a junior, he hit .343 with 14 home runs and drew 29 walks for a .479 OBP/.806 SLG. Aside from the power potential, he also has a plus arm and is very athletic, making many believe he will stick at the premium position. Like Clint Frazier this year, Jackson may be the most talked about prep player next season. Committed to Oregon. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

 

6-17-13  -  3. Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo High in Poway, Calif. - Jackson (6-foot-2, 200) is a well-rounded backstop. "Catching prospects," Perkin noted, "normally appear in one of two forms: Throwers who can't hit or hitters who can't throw. Jackson is the rare backstop who does both at the highest level." Perkin also pointed out Jackson's tremendous power.

 

6-28-13 - Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego, CA): - Alex Jackson is so good, he got Gosuke Katoh drafted in the second round. As scouts poured into Rancho Bernardo HS to see Jackson, many caught wind of his teammate, Katoh, whose stock rose as a result, finally going to the Yankees at 66th overall. If Jackson is good enough to make a middle infielder with limited arm a 2nd-round pick, imagine what he can do for himself. At 6'2", 210 pounds, Jackson has a nice, loose catcher's build. A legitimate five-tool catcher, he combines outstanding defense with tremendous power, which he's shown to all fields. Pop times in the 1.7's, excellent blocking skills, and quick twitch athleticism will keep him behind the plate, though he also plays third base and the outfield http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/28/4450674/the-way-too-early-2014-tcb-astros-draft-board

 

7-2-13  - 2014 Top 100 High School Prospects   3. Alex Jackson- C, Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS - Huge raw power. Might have the best bat in the country. 1.75 pop time at National with a 91 MPH arm from behind the plate http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

 

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 2. Alex Jackson, C/RF, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) 6'2/215, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.45, Oregon commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Rumor is that this dynamic talent with a plus arm and lightning-quick release from behind the plate will move to the outfield long-term to save his health like Bryce Harper. Jackson isn't a Harper-level talent but has special bat speed and above average power: enough to go in the top 10 picks even as an outfielder, in the mold of Padres 2013 1st rounder Hunter Renfroe. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

 

 

8-12-13 - Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo High School (Escondido, CA) -  It was an honor to join Joe Hamrahi on stage this weekend as we presented Alex Jackson with the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego. Jackson is a dual threat talent, with an easy plus-plus arm behind the plate, near elite pop times, and big power from the right side. It's a similar profile to high-ceiling prospect Jorge Alfaro, which should give you some indication how special this player could be. Getting to watch the talent on the field opened my eyes to his physical abilities, but the way he carried himself off the field, the natural leadership qualities and maturity he possesses, opened my eyes to the type of makeup that can make his ceiling more than just an exaggerated fantasy. When physical talent and makeup join forces, the end result can change the fortunes of an organization, and Jackson looks like a player well on his way to that reality. – http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21504

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 7. Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) - The best catching prospect in the draft, the 6’-2”, 210-pound right-hander has a plus arm and, mixed with his footwork and athleticism, should stick at the premium position. His power is some of the best in the class, and he should hit for a high average with his approach and plus bat speed. He hit .343/.479/.806 over 35 games as a junior with 14 home runs and 29 walks. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

    

  8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - Rancho Bernardo’s Alex Jackson. Jackson was a bit more inconsistent over the weekend, but if you had to ask me which player I like better now, I’d take Jackson. He’s not a catcher, but he’s got the athleticism and arm strength to be a very good rightfielder, and the bat will certainly play there with plus bat speed and above-average power. There may not be as much upside in Jackson, but I think the overall package is just a little better. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter   

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Alex Jackson | C/3B/OF | Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego, CA)  Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18 years, 5 months  Commitment: Oregon  Scouting Notes: Big talent; reminds me of Jorge Alfaro because of build and skill-set; arm is a 7; showed sub-1.9 pops; feel for catch-and-throw; shows leadership qualities behind the plate; moves better than expected; still new to the position but work ethic impressed; can stay behind the plate if he wants to; bat is highly projectable; both raw hit and power; good bat-to-ball skills; contact is easy and loud; power is going to be there; could be a 6/6 hit/power type if everything clicks; big makeup; potential to be a top-five pick in 2014. - http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-21-13 – Area Code Games - 3. Alex Jackson, c, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Calif./San Diego Show - After standing out as an underclassman at the Tournament of Stars, Area Code Games and Under Armour All-America Game last summer, Jackson is one of the most famous players in the class. At 6-foot-1, 224-pounds, Jackson has a strong build with muscular legs and a wide back. The Oregon commit has above-average bat speed and feel to hit, although he has a deeper load and more of a bat wrap than he used to, lengthening his swing. Jackson has plus raw power. He has one of the strongest arms in the class, a plus weapon capable of pop times in the low-1.80 range. Jackson is more athletic than most catchers and runs well for the position. He has gotten some time in the outfield and could profile as a right fielder. Jackson will likely be the sixth first-rounder in the last 20 drafts out of Rancho Bernardo, a powerhouse program that produced Hank Blalock and Cole Hamels. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/area-code-games-top-10-prospects/

 

 

8-21-13 – On defense, Alex Jackson could be a catcher or right fielder. But I don’t think he’ll be better than average at either position. Starting with catcher, I didn’t see the agility behind the plate for me to believe he could be an average or better defender. The strong hands are evident, though, as is a plus arm that can profile well in right field. Most people I’ve talked to think he’ll be in right, but there are some believers that he could stay behind the plate. It only takes one team to see the dream. (of course, it depends where they pick in the draft, but you get the point). http://rontrarianreport.com/2013/08/21/scouting-alex-jackson-mlb-draft/

 

 

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #3. Alex Jackson, INF/C (California HS): The most comprehensive high school player existing. It seems to be expected that teams would choose to play him at third once he goes pro, even though he’s pretty good behind the plate. In fact- he is an accomplished backstop.  At 6’2″, 210 pounds, Jackson has a good, moveable catcher’s physique. A genuine five-tool catcher, he pools exceptional defense with incredible power, which he’s displayed to all fields. Pop times in the 1.7′s, first-rate blocking skills, and rapid twitch flexibility will keep him behind the plate.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

 

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Alex Jackson, C/OF:  The best catching prospect in the draft and it's a position of great need for the Cubs, something they've admitted themselves.   Jackson has a tremendous arm behind the plate and Professor Parks called his pop times "near elite".  At the plate he shows the potential for plus power from the right side.  Jackson has the great makeup and leadership ability to go with his physical skills, of which Parks says, "When physical talent and makeup join forces, the end result can change the fortunes of an organization, and Jackson looks like a player well on his way to that reality."  Jackson sounds like he was tailor made for the Cubs and will undoubtedly become a fan favorite as we approach the draft, if he isn't already.  The one question, and it's a big one for Cubs fans, is that not everyone thinks he can stick behind the plate. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

 

8-31-13 – Area Code Games - Alex Jackson (C) 6’2″ 215 (R/R); 2014 Physical body that separates himself. Athletic look w/combo strength from top to bottom. Swing works long w/lift and separation to finish; occ. misses. Sound approach at the plate w/explosive swing; different off bat. Damaging impact at contact; gaps/power hitter. Speed will back up in future and not a SB threat. Displays solid catching tools w/quick footwork and clean transfers. Arm works short and throws stay online to target; POP: 1.8, 1.9. Athletic enough to play OF and bat fitscorner power profile.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/31/area-code-notes/

 

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 5. Alex Jackson, c/of, Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego - Plays a premium position, has some of the best power potential in the 2014 crop.

 

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 5 – Brewers – C Alex Jackson – Rando Bernardo (CA) HS – We can talk all day about what a great catcher Jackson is, but this a future corner outfielder in the making. He probably will rate out as an average outfielder, but he does have a ++ arm that will work well out there. But, you’re drafting this guy for his bat. Is one of the top projected power hitters of the draft.

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 8.Alex Jackson – C, Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

 

9-27-13 - Jim Callis - The 2014 Draft is a solid group that impresses scouts more than the 2012 and 2013 talent pools. College pitching is always a prized commodity, and there's plenty behind Rodon, starting with right-handers Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina) and Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt). There's more velocity this year in the high school ranks, with righty Tyler Kolek (Shepherd, Texas, HS) leading the way with a consistent upper-90s fastball. The pitchers stand out more than the position players, though there are plenty of intriguing bats. Catcher/outfielder Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego) and shortstop Jacob Gatewood (Clovis, Calif., HS) offer plenty of power, while Trea Turner (North Carolina State) has uncommon speed and is a rare collegian who should be able to play shortstop in the Majors. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130927&content_id=61864804&c_id=

 

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 5.)C, Alex Jackson, Rancho Bernardo HS, 6'2 200, R/R, strong, durable, has pop in his bat, needs mechanic work with approach as hitter, throws well from OF and behind dish, interesting to follow next 2 years, 2014, Rancho Bernardo HS, Ca, slimmed down from 220 and throws better and more fluid than he did in 2012. Quick power stroke with gaining discipline as a hitter, upside is there to have a productive pro career.  http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 11. Toronto Blue Jays* — Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)  The Blue Jays get this pick for failing to sign their 2013 first-round pick, Phil Bickford. Jackson, at 6’-2” and 210 pounds, has some of the best power in the entire 2014 MLB draft and the ball jumps off his bat differently than most due to his strong wrists and plus bat speed. While he has the tools to remain behind the plate, some feel he may be better suited for a corner outfield spot where his power and canon arm would play well. He hit .343/.479/.806 over 35 games as a junior with 14 home runs and 29 walks. Committed to Oregon.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

 

10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) - Another position in which the Cubs lack depth is catcher. Jackson, a 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has the size, arm and footwork to remain behind the plate, although some question that and believe his offensive potential may land him in a corner outfield spot. He may have the best power in the prep class and the ball jumps off his bat differently than others. He knocked some moonshots of his own out of Wrigley and the sound his bat makes upon contact lets you know the power he possesses. He hit .343/.479/.806 over 35 games as a junior with 14 home runs and 29 walks. If he remains at catcher, his road to the big leagues will take longer then if he played in the outfield as learning the position takes time. Like Kolek, however, he could be worth the wait in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

 

10-10-13 - Summary:  If Alex Jackson can’t stick at catcher does it drop his stock?  Yes, but not much.  He goes from a top 5 pick to a top 10 pick, if that tells you anything, it shows you how good his bat is.  When the ball comes off the bat it sounds like it’s being shot out of cannon.   It is so loud that you don’t even have to be watching to know he is taking BP, you can hear it.  It really doesn’t matter where he plays his Bat will carry him to the MLB. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/10/09/scouting-report-alex-jackson-cof3b/

 

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 6. Alex Jackson, c/of, Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego: Pairs plus power and arm strength with athleticism and a chance to stay behind the plate. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 1. Alex Jackson, C, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler (Rancho Bernardo High, San Diego/Oregon) -  Plus right-handed power and arm strength are his two best tools; no reason he can't stay behind the plate. http://ht.ly/qi5No

 

11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Alex Jackson (2014 C/OF Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler, 2014 SS), Jacob Gatewood (Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team) - Jackson and Gatewood are the type of alluring high ceiling prospects that cause some scouts to dream on their upside, and others to dwell on their present flaws. Their big reward potential comes with big risk, but both are the type of draft day gambles that can change the fortunes of a franchise. If either reaches their ceiling, they have a chance to become cornerstone players for whichever organization selects them. Despite being below average straight away runners, both are good athletes. Gatewood has good present defensive actions at shortstop and an above average arm, Jackson's plus-plus present arm is a weapon behind the plate and is also well suited for right field. The raw power for both players is tremendous and if all goes right they each have a chance to hit 30-plus home runs a year while manning premium defensive positions. Both strike out a lot even at this level and make infrequent contact, causing a lot of scouts to hesitate despite their gamechanging ceiling. These are the types of prospects that put a lot of pressure on scouting directors holding picks between fifth and fifteenth overall. They will be fun players to follow not only leading up to draft day, but throughout their development as professionals. Work ethic and desire to learn and improve will go a long way to determining whether these two will fail to overcome the challenges of pro ball, or go on to achieve superstardom and leave their mark in the Major Leagues. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157

 

11-14-13 - Michael Schwartze - Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo/San Diego, Calif.) emerged onto the scene as an elite high school talent in 2012 when he had an impressive showing at the 2012 Area Code Games as a Junior. He entered the summer as one of the top position players in the class, but after an impressive summer he has placed himself at the top of the prep class. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound catcher may ultimately move to right field but his bat is his calling card, anyway. He has elite bat speed with a potential plus hit tool and potential above-average power to all fields. His plus arm will be a weapon at whichever position he lands in pro ball. “You draft Jackson as a hitter,” said one crosschecker after the completion of the summer. “It’d be a big, big bonus if he could catch, but Bryce Harper was a high school catcher that was drafted and immediately moved to the outfield to take advantage of his skills at the plate. That’s where the value is with Jackson, too; very high upside, maybe Top 10.” http://www.studentsports.com/blog/2013/11/13/baseball-jupiter-wraps-up-2013-showcase-circuit/

 

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