Austin Jackson improves swing as Detroit Tigers wait for productivity
Centre fielder, Austin Jackson, came out recently to announce that he has made considerable improvements in his swing.
Much to the satisfaction of the Detroit Tigers, the player’s statement has been backed by hitting Coach, Lloyd McClendon. The veteran believes that the outfielder is close to his old form from 2010.
That may well be accepted in the management circle but a translation of improvement in hits is what is being sought now. While Jackson did avail a hit in three At-Bats at Comerica Park in a recent fixture against the Texas Rangers, manager, Jim Leyland came
out to talk about his player.
"Jackson will get going", manager Jim Leyland said. "When Jackson gets going, we'll be a lot better. When some other guys get going, we'll be a lot better. Jackson was a big catalyst for us last year, tremendous catalyst for us. He got on, stole a few bases,
went first to third, hit some doubles and triples".
McClendon has been working with Jackson to improve his timing and mechanics. However, the manager has offered a simpler remedy to the centre fielder. That happens to be a one word advice: Relax.
"Right now, it's not happening. So what? He's my centre fielder, and he's good", Leyland said.
The Detroit manager maintained that he is happy with Jackson even though he started off slow in the campaign, this year.
Jackson has particularly given his focus to the leg kick. The problem with swings usually comes from there. While he believes he can see the ball well, he elaborates that he has been late to connect with the ball. His strokes in the last game did showcase
his prowess from last season that has been absent this year.
"Mac thinks he's real close", Leyland said. "We'll see. He had a good at-bat, but one hit doesn't mean you're out of slump and one strikeout doesn't mean you're in a slump".
The player will be expected to improve on his form in the coming days. Though the change will be gradual, it will help the squad do more in the American League.
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