Pitching Match-Up: Dustin McGowan vs Edwin Jackson

On 9/7, two young guns matched up for a strike-out fest. Dustin McGowan & Edwin Jackson combined for 18 K's in 13-2/3 IP (11.85 K's/9IP). The 25-year-old McGowan emerged victorious, allowing just 2 runs off of 4 hits, with 1 BB & 12 K's in 8 IP. Jackson allowed 7 earned in 5-2/3 IP (with 6 K's), including a 3-run homer to the Blue Jays' veteran catcher Gregg Zaun.

McGowan's been having an up-and-down year, and his 03 Bowman's Best Auto RC has reflected it. It averaged $33 TAC in June, then fell to around $13 in July, then back up to $19 in August. Month-to-date, it's averaging around $13, with it's last sale at $9.75. One of his 03 Bowman's Best Red Auto's, which are limited to 25, sold last week for $207.50 TAC.

Jackson had a terrible first 3 months this season, with a 2-11 record & 6.56 ERA. It looked like he was turning things around in August, going 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 5 starts (in two of those starts, he only allowed 2 ER, but got a loss & a no decision), but September has been his worst month of all, through his first two starts (0-2 & 13.00 ERA). There are very few of Jackson's key rookie cards up on auction, so I'm guessing that collectors are waiting for him to have a break out season, and values to rise before selling them. At only 24 years old, I think that he still has a chance to gain consistency and fulfill his potential. I like his 03 Donruss Elite EE TOTC Auto #'d 100.