Edwin Jackson, the "Next Doc Gooden," Isn't the Yankees Answer, Mr. Steinbrenner

After his first start on Sept. 9, 2003, which was his 20th birthday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Jim Tracy compared Edwin Jackson to Doc Gooden. Jackson worked six innings, struck out four, didn't walk anybody and allowed one run.

During spring training in 2004, Tracy didn't retract his statement. Jackson pitched three perfect innings against the New York Mets in his first start. Reaching 96-mph with his fast ball, Jackson struck out three.

"He's pretty good, isn't he?" said Tracy. "It's fair to say this young man has a chance to do some special things."

There are rumors that the New York Yankees' owner Hal Steinbrenner has spoken to Jackson's agent, Scott Boras, in exploratory talks. The Yankees are in need of another starting pitcher and believe that Jackson might help.

Mark Buehrle is a Miami Marlin, C. J. Wilson will pitch for the Anaheim Angels and the Texas Rangers are serious about Yu Darvish.

Since Tracy's rash comparison, Jackson has had his ups and downs, but to even mention rookie Dwight Gooden in the same breath as Jackson borders on either insanity or incompetence.

Jackson is 28-years-old. He pitched a nine walk, one hit-batter no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 25, 2010. The game is a template for Jackson. He is tough to hit but he walks too many hitters.

For his career, Jackson has allowed 1,154 hits in 1,079 innings, which indicates that he is easy to hit, but he has allowed 439 walks. When he gets behind in the count, he lets up and gives up hits. His WHIP is an obscene 1.476.

Jackson pitched in the 2008 World Series for the Tampa Bay Rays and in the 2011 Series for the St. Louis Cardinals. In his one start and one relief appearance, Jackson is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA and a 1.773 WHIP. He has walked eight and struck out four in seven and one-third innings.

The Yankees don't need another expensive pitcher that Hal Steinbrenner thinks will help win the World Series. How did Rafael Soriano work out?

The Yankees should wait until the end of July and again near the end of August to evaluate their position.

There is little chance that they won't make the playoffs. If Sabathia, Nova and Hughes do well, a move might not be necessary.

In any event, Jim Tracy's next Doc Gooden is not the answer.