New York Yankees: Look At Him, He Can Be Centerfield

The 21-year-old slugger in the minors, Austin Jackson, who turns 22 before this season begins, is a prized prospect outfielder for the New York Yankees. He could be in the majors sooner than later.

Jackson is from Denton, Texas and has been playing for four years with the New York Yankees farm system.

Last year, he played 131 games with the Trenton Thunder, where he hit .285 with nine HR and 69 RBI.  He also flashed some speed, stealing 19 bases and only getting caught six times.

From the video footage and clips I have seen, Jackson displays a quick bat and is very fast.

However, he did strike out 113 times in 520 at bats, which is 21 percent of his at bats. This is not horrible considering he is just a kid, but something he could work on is more patience at the plate at the major league level.

Jackson's counterpart, Melky Cabrera, struck out 58 times in 414 at bats, which is just 14 percent of his at bats, much better then Jackson.

Jackson is an amazing fielder, only having three errors last season and only 10 the entire four years with the Yankees minor league system.

Last year, Jackson was named the Eastern League postseason MVP, largely based on his performance in the championship series. Jackson went six-for-16 (.375) with a homer and five RBIs.

There is a lot of potential for Jackson as an everyday center fielder in the Bronx, and his power numbers should increase.

When he will get the shot remains a question.  Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, and Johnny Damon all have the capabilities of playing Center Field on the major league roster.

He has been invited to Spring Training this year as a non-roster invitee and stands out among all other players as the Top Prospect in the Yankees organization.

"He has made steady, solid progress. He's very athletic and is highly motivated. He's an athlete, with tools and plus makeup who's performing as he moves through the system." - Mark Newman, Yankees Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations

"I'd love to be in New York next year. It's something to work toward, but there is still some stuff in the Minor Leagues that I have to accomplish. I don't want to get called up and have any weaknesses exposed." - Austin Jackson

This spring should make it more clear as to when we may see Jackson, but don't rule him out to be on the team before the All Star break if he is doing well.

Don't expect the Yankees to make any big moves for Center Field and keep it in house, this is their guy for the future for sure, and I am looking forward to seeing him play.