How much longer can the Rays stick with Edwin Jackson? Take away his 0-8 and they'd be in second place. Give Hammel a shot and send Jackson to the 'pen or Durham.
-- Chris H., Nashville, Tenn.
I agree with you. Given the way Jackson has pitched, I would at the very least put him in the bullpen and insert Jason Hammel in his spot. However, I must confess that last season I was of the opinion B.J. Upton needed to go elsewhere and look what he has done.
Maddon has said Jackson will make his start on Monday against the Diamondbacks, but I get the feeling Jackson could be on a short chain. Jackson is out of options, so if the Rays decided to give up on him, he would have to clear waivers in order for the Rays to send him to the Minor Leagues. Several of the Rays' position players have told me how nasty Jackson's stuff is, which I'm sure is what continues to tantalize the Rays as well as fuel the belief he can find the consistency needed to be a starter at the Major League level. So if Jackson does get moved from the starting rotation, I would expect him to first have a shot at finding himself in the bullpen before the Rays designate him for assignment.
Time to step up damnit.
