Edwin Jackson signs with Nationals

(MCT) — Former Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson, one of the last available veteran arms on the free-agent market, signed a one-year deal worth between $8 million and $12 million with the Nationals, CBSSports.com reported Thursday.

So cross Jackson, 28, off the list of potential candidates for the Tigers’ fifth rotation spot.

Jackson made his only All-Star appearance in 2009 with the Tigers, going 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA. He was 12-9 with a 3.79 last season.

Besides the Tigers, Jackson also has pitched for the Dodgers, White Sox, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rays.

He is represented by agent Scott Boras, who spoke last week during Prince Fielder’s news conference about the resurrection of the Tigers’ organization through free agency.

Before 2004, Boras said: “In the player community, Detroit was not on the map for the type of players I represent.”

Then owner Mike Ilitch phoned Boras.

“He said, ‘Look, we’re going to have a new philosophy with this team,’ “ Boras said.

Then Boras told Ilitch he’d think about catcher Pudge Rodriguez signing with the Tigers before the ‘04 season. “But remember, if you sign one, you have to sign more than one.

“I have to tell that player you’re the first, but there has to be two or three more guys that come. If you’re just going to sign one and not do it, it doesn’t become a destination. You’re not going to win, and I’m not sending anybody here to lose.”

Rodriguez signed, followed by Boras clients Magglio Ordoñez and Kenny Rogers the two off-seasons after that, and Fielder last month.

So is Detroit now a destination town?

“I think that question has been answered,” Boras said.