"Brett Jackson isn't tempted to tap his brakes. "I have one gear, and it's 100 percent," Jackson said in late October before an Arizona Fall League game. That speed is reflective of his all-out style in center field that he hopes will allow him to help the Cubs as soon as possible. Jackson, the Cubs' first round pick in the 2009 draft, is completing his first full (long) professional season in the Arizona Fall League after playing briefly for Team USA in the Pan Am qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico before injuring his foot. That barely slowed Jackson's development as he strives toward being part of the Cubs' young core that began last summer with the promotions of Starlin Castro and Tyler Colvin. "You have to think that way and have that confidence as a player," said Jackson, who was 3-for-12 with five RBIs for Mesa before an infection in his foot halted his AFL season. "It's exciting to be in the Cubs organization for all of us, seeing the type of moves that have happened in the past year and seeing many of our friends reach the big leagues. "That makes us excited about the future and what the Cubs have to offer. … I look forward to being a part of that. "But right now, I'm working to be ready for that next step, and certainly guys like Castro and Colvin are great role models for us all." Although the Cubs have Marlon Byrd signed through 2012, Jackson's all-around talents could create a pleasant logjam in center if he continues to progress." Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...-brett-jackson-chicag20101223,0,3470833.story
