Austin Jackson is a solid outfield option in roto leagues but the hype and his misleading 2010 batting average due to an inflated BABIP has left many fantasy owners disappointed.
Analysis: It really was just a matter of time before Austin Jackson owners realized he wasn’t going to live up to his draft position this year but that doesn’t mean you have to outright drop the guy from your squad. 2011 is a completely different story for Jackson, he’s hitting .157 with a .222 BABIP. The most concerning stat is the 34.3% K rate, he’s striking out even more than last year. He’ll settle down soon enough, he’s not fighting for a job. When Jackson gets it going at the top of that Tigers’ order he will be scoring runs in bunches again and with it the stolen bases will be there. The batting average will be fine, but nothing to write home about. Fantasy baseball is about patience and Jackson is too good of a player in roto formats to be available in over fifty percent of leagues, so stay with him and start him when he heats up.
Projection: Austin Jackson will finish the season with 22-25 stolen bases, about 80 runs and a batting average in the middle of the pack. Maybe next year he’ll finally be drafted where he belongs.