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/
11-21-13 - Nathan Rode
@NathanRode - No. 1 Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS,
CA. Oregon recruit, excellent bat speed, athleticism, power.
11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 2 Alex Jackson C/OF R/R 6-1
224 Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Calif. Oregon http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/
11-27-13 – Big League Futures
Top 25 Poll – 6 Alex Jackson C/OF Rancho Bernardo (CA) http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/11/26/mlb-draft-top-25-prospects-poll/
B/R – 11-21-13 - 5. Minnesota Twins: Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo
HS (Calif.) - Alex Jackson draws comparisons to Bryce Harper for his
catcher-outfielder defensive profile and plus bat speed. Spending most of is
time behind the dish, the 6’2”, 215-pounder is an advanced defender with
excellent catch-and-throw skills and a cannon for an arm. However, because his
right-handed bat has the potential to be that good, Jackson is expected to move
to the outfield full time as a professional so as to save his knees and
hopefully elongate his career. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1860341-2014-mlb-mock-draft-early-first-round-projections-for-all-30-teams/page/10
12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 1. Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho
Bernardo HS (CA) - While a couple of guys may have more overall potential,
Jackson is more polished and less of a project. The power is immense and it
explodes off his bat due to his excellent bat speed and strong wrists. He has a
plus arm and most believe he is better suited for a corner outfield spot where
his bat would more than play well. I watched him put on a power display at the
Under Armour AA game at Wrigley this summer. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99
12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press - 4- C Alex Jackson Rancho Bernardo HS (Oregon
commit) 12/25/95- He comes from baseball rich HS Rancho Bernardo in So Cal and
is very well known on the showcase scene. He has a very good arm and probably
moves to RF as a pro. RH power is hard to find and this kid has it. Showcased his arm at PG national with a 1.85
POP time and an easy swing, very lively bat. He was also clocked at 97 in the
OF which would certainly be a plus arm out there. (Twins @ 5) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/
1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 2. Miami Marlins — Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho
Bernardo HS (CA) - With four picks in the top 42, I can see the Marlins
gambling a bit here and going with the prep bat over a guy like Jeff Hoffman —
whom many have going at this spot. One of the more polished prep players in the
2014 MLB draft, Jackson is a 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander with excellent bat
speed and tremendous power to all fields. While he has the goods to at least be
given a shot behind the plate, most believe he will end up in a corner outfield
spot where his plus arm and bat would play well. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99
1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Alex Jackson |
C/OF | Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, CA) | Commit: Oregon Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/210 pounds B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 18y 5m Jackson
boasts one of the best blends of offensive and defensive upside in the draft
class, with a chance to hit for average and power while providing solid defense
behind the dish and a strong catch-and-throw game. The Oregon commit routinely
impressed in batting practice throughout the summer showcase circuit, with big
pull side power generated through a leveraged swing. In-game the load can get a
little deep, with the swing length causing some issues with velocity, but the
bat-to-ball ability and bat speed give hope that the Oregon commit will figure
things out as he continues to log reps against quality arms. Behind the plate
Jackson moves well side-to-side with and shows an ability to impact the game
with his arm, clocking pops as low as 1.77 for me over the summer and routinely
sitting in the 1.85 to 1.95 range with low, level lines on his throws. There’s
work to be done, no doubt, but the San Diego prepster has the body and
athleticism to grow into a solid receiver and defender. Should a team desire to
shift him to a corner to expedite offensive development, he is athletic enough
to handle right field and possesses more than enough arm. Jackson was a worthy
recipient of the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award
last August as an impressive athlete with a chance to grow into an impact bat
at a premium defensive position. He currently profiles as a solid top half of
the first round talent. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662
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