The Detroit Tigers have made it known they're willing to listen to offers for pitcher Edwin Jackson. Since that declaration, Jackson has become one of the most popular names on the Hot Stove market. It seems as if not a day has gone by during this young free agency period where Jackson's name has not been mentioned in a trade rumor. Whether tinged in truth or not, Jackson has been linked to many teams. And it's not even December.

There's still plenty of time left in the offseason, why are we running full steam ahead on Edwin Jackson rumors? Maybe we should save some for post-Thanksgiving. It's because pitching is always important. Whether during the offseason, April, or the playoff hunt. Good teams need good pitching. Good pitching is always at a premium during the offseason, especially in an offseason with no CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, or Cliff Lee on the market. 

Jackson, however, is a free agent after the 2010 season. He's represented by Scott Boras. Jackson is also a power pitcher, leaving him prone to injury. The Tigers will probably ask for a return of one or two top-level prospects in exchange for Jackson. This information should be considered by the teams going after Jackson, but do not necessarily create a road block to trading for him.

It can't be said the Tigers want to move Jackson to get younger. He's a young, talented pitcher with playoff experience. He fits well into the Tigers rotation. The problem for the Tigers, and the reason for putting Jackson on the block, is financial. For the Tigers, it makes sense to trade Jackson. It's the "sell high" theory. Jackson is coming off the best season of his career. He had a 3.62 ERA but a 4.28 FIP. Perhaps the Tigers feel he's hit his ceiling and want to parlay his 2009 season into younger, cheaper talent. It's financially sound as well.

As for the potential trade partners, Jackson commands a reasonable salary - $2.2 million in 2009. Jackson is arbitration eligible and should command up to $5 million in 2010. It's still an affordable amount. The possibility of acquiring Jackson cheaply, even for one year, is attractive to many teams. Despite fading down the stretch, Jackson had a career year for a team that was in the playoff race for a long portion of the season. He's a young, cheap 200-inning pitcher. Teams like that.

Expect to hear more about Edwin Jackson this offseason.

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