Is Brett Jackson ready for the majors?

Apparently Brett Jackson believes he's big league ready and, according to Dave van Dyck "the numbers just might bear him out." 

Well, let's just see about that.

Overall, Jackson has hit .292/.393/.491 over 3 minor league seasons.  He has shown a good eye, drawing 177 walks in 296 games, including 73 in each of the last two seasons.  He also has shown a good combination of speed (64 stolen bases) and power (40 homeruns), plays good defense and has a good arm.

Although he has played primarily center field in the minors, he has the ability to play all 3 outfield spots.  There is some question as to who is the Cubs center fielder of the future, Jackson or fast rising Matt Szczur (or maybe even Yoenis Cespedes, if they sign him).  But Jackson's flexibility and power likely mean he will have a spot in the Cubs future outfield.

However, with all the upside and ability that Jackson possesses, there is still one concern:  his strikeouts.

Ever since he reached high A ball in 2010, Jackson's strikeout rate has increased at each level, from 24.0% in A+ ball, to 28.9% in AA, to 34.6% in AAA.  Yes, despite all those strikeout, Jackson managed to hit .297/.388/.551 in 185 at bats at AAA.  However, those numbers are likely inflated by the PCL, a notorious hitters league (the league hit .285 as a whole).

The jury is still out on Jackson, at least according to Cubs' Scouting Director Jason McLeod, who said in van Dyck's article that "ultimately, his bat is going to tell who he is, whether he's going to be a superstar or complementary player."

Thus, we will likely see Jackson back in AAA to start the 2012 season and its up to him to prove to the new regime that he's ready for the bigs.