Padres Off-Season Target: Edwin Jackson

We here at Chicken Friars thought it would be fun to play general manager, and target players through trades and free agency that will make the Padres a better team in 2013. The Padres’ biggest need lies with the pitching staff.

The Padres used 15 starting pitchers last year, and only Clayton Richard and Edinson Volquez started more than 30 games. The Padres desperately need to add some veteran pitching depth. That’s where our second target comes in.

Edwin Jackson is a man of many teams. And if the Washington Nationals do not re-sign the 29-year-old, then Jackson should make the San Diego Padres his eighth team in what would be his 11^th Major League season.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson (33) throws in the NLDS Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

While the right-hander has expressed his desire to stay in the nation’s capital, I believe he is best suited for America’s Finest City.

The chances are the Nats could pass on re-signing him, as they already have a young starting corps that is one of the best in baseball behind phenom Stephen Strasburg, stud Gio Gonzalez and journeyman Jordan Zimmerman.

Jackson who is said to be looking for a multi-year deal, is not the ace the Padres desperately need. He is a third or fourth starter at best, but when Jackson is on his game there is no question he is of ace potential.

The Georgia native already has a no-hitter to his name, a feat no Padre pitcher has ever achieved.

What Jackson could bring to the Padres though is the ability to eat up innings, and carry a rotation if need be. According to the Nationals Journal, Jackson made all his scheduled starts (31) while posting a 4.03 ERA in 189 2/3 innings. He posted a career best 1.218 WHIP and his second-highest strikeout total with 168.

If Jackson were to sign with the Padres not only would he make a nice addition to the starting rotation, but his career would benefit as well.

With the Padres he would be under the tutelage of pitching coach Darren Balsley, who many pitchers say is the best around. Jackson would also benefit by pitching at the pitcher’s haven known as Petco Park, not to mention he’s familiar with the National League West, having pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Jackson signed a one-year $11 million deal, so the asking price for the free agent would most likely be high, but I believe he is worth it.