Ryan Jackson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #15 prospect in 2013
  The Cardinals cleared the way for Jackson to be the starting shortstop at Memphis last summer by shifting Pete Kozma into a utility role. By the time Rafael Furcal hurt his elbow and St. Louis needed a replacement at shortstop, the roles had reversed. Jackson's playing time had all but vanished, a sudden and curious development for the young infielder who remains one of the best gloves in the system. He was considered the finest college shortstop in the 2009 draft and has validated that reputation as a pro. He has a strong and accurate arm, high baseball intelligence and enough first-step quickness to overcome fringy speed. Jackson has decent bat speed and plate discipline and projects as maybe an average hitter with some gap power, especially against lefthanders. He struggled at the plate in his big league cameo and had a difficult game at second base in Philadelphia that seemed to secure his bench status. Jackson will come to spring training with a chance to erase that first impression, win a utility job and battle Kozma to reclaim the role as Furcal's potential successor in 2014.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #13 prospect in 2012
  When Nick Punto visited Springfield on a rehab assignment last summer, he saw one hitch in Jackson's otherwise fine defense. Jackson had a habit of pausing to wait on a better hop, an approach that works fine in college but is too slow at higher levels. Punto worked with him because Jackson is headed to those higher levels. He has validated his reputation as the best defensive college shortstop in the 2009 draft. He's a nimble fielder with a high baseball IQ and strong instincts, and his footwork and accuracy give him an above-average arm. Some scouts think he can play defensively in the majors right now. Jackson helped his cause in 2011 by answering some questions about his bat. He improved his ability to make sharp contact by maintaining his strength and swing all year long. He hit a career-high 11 homers and ranked among the Texas League leaders in doubles (34) and total bases (221). He's a fringy runner and little threat to steal. Jackson continued to swing a productive bat in the Arizona Fall League and projects as a big league regular if he continues to do so. He'll advance to Triple-A and could break into the majors in a utility role in 2012.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #30 prospect in 2011
  Jackson validated his reputation as the best defensive shortstop in the college ranks in 2009 with a slick turn through his first pro season. He's nimble, with a strong arm, and his manager described him as having "educated feet," a high baseball IQ and those soft, bad-hop hands. He had six errors in his final 41 games. Jackson isn't the fleetest infielder, but his instincts, first-step accuracy and confidence to improvise give him a faster look in the field. The big issue will be whether his bat measures up. Jackson closed the year on a seven-game hitting streak that improved his average to .291 in high Class A. He has good discipline, average ability to make contact, and shows an understanding that his value is in getting on base. Strength is a concern. Jackson loses weight rapidly and has to work to maintain his strength through a full season. He's been called a throwback infielder, and his glove is good enough to keep him in the lineup as he refines a playable swing. A return to Palm Beach as the starting shortstop is likely, with a move to Double-A coming when that position opens or Jackson's play forces it.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #25 prospect in 2010
  The best defensive shortstop in college baseball in 2009, Jackson lasted until the fifth round of the draft because of questions about his bat. After hitting .360 and helping Miami reach the College World Series as a sophomore, he saw his average plummet to .263 last spring. Signed for $157,500, he batted just .216/.297/.241 in his pro debut at short-season Batavia. Jackson is thin and lacks strength, and he'll never hit for much power. He's also a below-average runner, so all of his offensive value is going to come from getting on base. He does have good discipline, though advanced pitchers aren't going to be afraid to challenge him. Jackson's defense is asset enough to buy him opportunity to work on his swing. He's nimble and slick at shortstop, and his instincts and innate footwork give him plenty of range. He has a strong arm and the confidence to improvise when needed. If Jackson can hit .250 with a respectable on-base percentage, he's a good enough defender to play regularly in the majors.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  When Nick Punto visited Springfield on a rehab assignment last summer, he saw one hitch in Jackson's otherwise fine defense. Jackson had a habit of pausing to wait on a better hop, an approach that works fine in college but is too slow at higher levels. Punto worked with him because Jackson is headed to those higher levels. He has validated his reputation as the best defensive college shortstop in the 2009 draft. He's a nimble fielder with a high baseball IQ and strong instincts, and his footwork and accuracy give him an above-average arm. Some scouts think he can play defensively in the majors right now. Jackson helped his cause in 2011 by answering some questions about his bat. He improved his ability to make sharp contact by maintaining his strength and swing all year long. He hit a career-high 11 homers and ranked among the Texas League leaders in doubles (34) and total bases (221). He's a fringy runner and little threat to steal. Jackson continued to swing a productive bat in the Arizona Fall League and projects as a big league regular if he continues to do so. He'll advance to Triple-A and could break into the majors in a utility role in 2012.