Three Degrees Of Pat Caputo: Three Reasons Austin Jackson Is The Detroit Tigers MIP (Most Important Player)

September 13, 2012 9:14 AM

ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 11: Austin Jackson #14 of the Detroit Tigers is congratulated by manager Jim Leyland #10 for hitting a home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on August 11, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

Reporting i) Pat Caputo

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By: Pat Caputo

1. Jackson is not only by far the Tigers’ best fielder, but he plays a premier position, center field.

2. Jackson is the only Tigers’ regular with above-average speed. He is also their leadoff hitter, with an on-base percentage of .391, which ranks sixth in the American League.

3. Jackson’s two-run homer, when all seemed to be going wrong for the Tigers Tuesday night, might have turned around their season. They were down 2-0 at the time, and had lost seven in a row on the road. The Tigers won Tuesday and again on Wednesday. Also, The Tigers had just an 8-13 record when Jackson was on the disabled list earlier this season.