Limited financially in what moves they can likely make this winter, despite the early perception that they could be among the offseason’s bigger players in free agency after a surprising 2012 season, the Baltimore Orioles added some defensive versatility late Wednesday, signing infielder/outfielder Conor Jackson to a minor league deal, according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko. Presumably the deal includes an invitation to Spring Training for the 30 year old.
The versatile Conor Jackson could potentially win a spot on the Orioles roster next Spring. (Image Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)
Jackson was once considered among the game’s top prospects – twice appearing in Baseball America’s Top 100 (#40 before the 2005 season, #17 before 2006). Once he reached the Major Leagues he was living up much of that potential, hitting .287/.367/.443 in 1,744 plate appearances from 2005 through 2008, walking nearly as much as he struck out. While Jackson looked to be an important piece of those Arizona Diamondbacks teams, things came crashing down as he’d miss nearly all of the 2009 season while suffering from Valley Fever – a fungal infection prone to desert regions (such as Phoenix) that leaves those infected feeling as though they have a severe case of pneumonia, complete with extreme fatigue and severe joint pain. The ailment cost Jackson nearly a full season and threatened his career.
He was able to get back on the field but has yet to look like the same player, struggling to hit just .241/.320/.336 in 631 plate appearances with the D’backs, Oakland Athletics, and Boston Red Sox. He spent the entire 2012 season with the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, hitting .277/.363/.434 in 366 plate appearances.
Jackson made most of his MLB appearances at either first base or in left field, but has also seem time at third base.