Austin Jackson now one of AL's elite

[sggatecl]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/27671/austin-jackson-now-one-of-als-elite-players

The game was over, a soon-to-be disappointing defeat in a frustrating season for the Detroit Tigers. Expected by nearly everyone to run away with the American League Central and predicted by many to be the best team in the majors, the Tigers were instead about to fall 2.5 games behind the White Sox.

The Indians led 8-5 in the bottom of the 10th inning. There were two outs, nobody on base. No team had won such a game in its final at-bat all season. But then Chris Perez walked Alex Avila, and Andy Dirks and Austin Jackson doubled in a run. After Omar Infante's flare to center tied the game, Miguel Cabrera belted a 3-1, down-the-middle 94-mph fastball over the left-center wall, sending Tigers fans into a state of frenzied exultation.

"Nobody's heads were hanging," Jackson said. "I think that's the good thing. Everybody had their heads up and anything can happen in those situations."

In the postgame television interview, Cabrera made sure to pull Jackson into the interview with him. Cabrera was the walk-off hero, but Jackson had a monster game for the Tigers, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored. While much of the focus on the Tigers has centered on Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander -- or reasons why they haven't dominated -- Jackson has quietly flown under the national radar despite hitting .322/.409/.518. Jackson ranks third in the AL in batting average and on-base percentage and eighth in OPS. In fact, he has a better OBP and slugging percentage than Fielder.

 

[kingofdetroit57]

I'm a bit surprised he isn't getting more hype. He's been terrific in the field too. He's turning into quite a player.

 

[byco42]

I'm a bit surprised he isn't getting more hype. He's been terrific in the field too. He's turning into quite a player.

He's not wearing pinstripes or playing in that Shoebox On the Swamp.

 

[Slick]

if Ajax doesn't get a gold glove in 2012 it will be highway robbery.

 

[biggunsbob]

He's not wearing pinstripes or playing in that Shoebox On the Swamp.

this is the reason...Yup..

 

[sggatecl]

He's not wearing pinstripes or playing in that Shoebox On the Swamp.

This is the main reason I shared with you guys. Was stunned someone not named Verlander or Cabrera was getting time from ESPN.