Jackson trying to extend MLB journey

When you pitch for 12 organizations across a decadeand-a-half, like Edwin Jackson, you figure out how the professional baseball world operates. In his 15-year path from teenage super-prospect to respected veteran, Jackson learned the business is unforgiving and only grows colder with age.

That factored into his decision to re-sign with Washington over the winter.

“They’re going to keep it straight with you,” Jackson said recently at his locker. “That’s the biggest thing you can ask for: an organization to keep it real with you and let you know where you stand.”

This is where the 34-year-old Jackson stands on March 13: in competition for the final spot in the Nationals’ rotation with A.J. Cole and Erick Fedde, though that is subject to change should the team acquire a starting pitcher.

If it doesn’t, however, club officials have repeated that Cole, who doesn’t have a minor league option remaining, is the front-runner for the vacancy, meaning Jackson likely will start the season with Class AAA Syracuse. Jackson would have to accept the assignment because he can’t opt out of his minor league contract until June 1.

“It’s not necessarily the ideal situation for me,” Jackson said on Tuesday after his third start of the spring dropped his ERA to 3.00.

“But if that’s what happens, I guess I have to deal with that when it comes.”

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