Edwin Jacksons name has been a mainstay in reports about the off-season trade market, given the Tigers willingness to trade him and his status as an All-Star and 200-inning starter this year.
Jackson, 26, has been traded twice already in his career. He doesnt seem bothered by the talk now.
I just want to play, he said in a Wednesday telephone interview. Im comfortable in Detroit. Im comfortable anywhere. I dont worry about whats going on.
If Detroit wants to trade me, then thats their opinion. My job as a pitcher is to play. This is the business end of it.
Jackson went 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA in a career-high 33 starts this year. He said the Tigers havent called to update him on his status. The Mariners are among the teams with interest.
I havent talked to anybody, Jackson said. I really dont even pay attention to it. Its not a big deal. I dont keep up with it. If theres a trade that goes down, Ill find out about it.
Its a business. Youve always got to expect the unexpected. That way, youll never be surprised.
Jackson began his career with the Dodgers, who have interest in reacquiring him. The Dodgers have a tight budget and are more likely to add impact pitching through trades than free agency.
Asked if he would have any preferred destinations in the event that the Tigers trade him, Jackson replied, I wouldnt really care. Just give me the ball and let me play.
He did add that he would prefer to continue as a starter, rather than move to the bullpen. He was a reliever with Tampa Bay as recently as 2006.
Jackson said everything checked out normal with him physically after the season. He had a 5.83 ERA over his last 11 starts, which raised some concern.
