Edwin Jackson was sharp Monday against the Padres, allowing just one run over six innings of work. Jackson limited the Padres to just three hits -- all singles -- while striking out three and walking one. The only run scored on an RBI single by opposing pitcher Clayton Richard. Jackson doesn't get a lot of respect, but he owns a 3.98 ERA since 2009 and should be a useful contributor again in mixed fantasy leagues this year.

Edwin Jackson allowed two runs and three walks over two innings in Sunday's loss to the Brewers. Jackson wasn't particularly effective coming off his strong Cactus League debut, but his performance isn't a concern at this stage of spring training. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $52 million contract this offseason and projects to open 2013 as the Cubs' No. 2 starter.

Edwin Jackson hurled two scoreless innings Tuesday as the Cubs defeated the Rockies by a score of 4-2. It was a smooth spring debut for Jackson, who yielded two hits but escaped any real damage. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Cubs this winter and should again be a useful fantasy starter.

Cubs signed RHP Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million contract. The two sides reached an agreement two weeks ago, but an official announcement was delayed until after the holidays. Jackson had to settle for a one-year, $11 million deal with the Nationals last offseason, but he has finally found his big payday. The 29-year-old right-hander owns a solid 3.98 ERA over the past four seasons and should continue to be useful as a mid-rotation starter in Chicago.

Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports that the Cubs have signed free agent right-hander Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million contract, pending a physical. "E-Jax" had to settle for a one-year, $11 million deal last offseason and did not pitch significantly better in 2012, but the market for middle-tier free agents has been much healthier this time around. Jackson will join a Cubs rotation that also boasts Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Feldman and Travis Wood. That's not a bad group, and Scott Baker is expected to be ready by May.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Cubs have made "strong progress" toward a deal with Edwin Jackson. Olney says the two sides have settled near a four-year contract worth around $52 million. The Rangers are still active in the negotiations and the Indians may try to make one final push, but the Cubs seem determined to secure the free agent right-hander. "E-Jax" posted a 4.03 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 168/58 K/BB ratio in 189 2/3 innings this past season for the Nationals.

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reports that the Cubs are "now the front runner" for Edwin Jackson. The Cubs reportedly are close to signing Carlos Villanueva, but it appears they might not be done after that. Bowden says it's down to the Cubs and Rangers, though FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported earlier that the Indians were also in the mix. According to Bowden, Jackson is likely to end up with a deal in the "ballpark" of four years and $52 million.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians are "in talks" with Edwin Jackson. The Indians are talking to both Jackson and Nick Swisher, but Rosenthal says it's unlikely they'll be able to sign both. The Rangers are also in on Jackson, and so are the Cubs even though they're reportedly close to locking up Carlos Villanueva. E-Jax should have no trouble getting at least a four-year deal.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman hears that Edwin Jackson is still "in play" for the Cubs following the signing of Carlos Villanueva. It seems unlikely that Jackson would land in Chicago if the deal with Villanueva is finalized, as the Cubs will already have six viable starters, with Travis Wood filling the No. 5 spot until Scott Baker (elbow) is ready. The Rangers are in on Jackson and would make sense as a landing spot, while the Padres bowed out after refusing to offer more than three years.

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reports that Edwin Jackson is down to the Rangers and Cubs after the Padres refused to offer him four years and bowed out. The Angels and Indians had previously expressed interest in the right-hander, but they're evidently no longer players. The Rangers view Jackson as a backup plan after losing out on Zack Greinke, while the Cubs are looking at him as a backup plan after being outbid for Anibal Sanchez. The right-hander shouldn't have trouble getting $50+ million on a four-year deal.