If you are going to play center field in the very spacious Comerica Park, you better be able to cover some ground. Detroit Tigers’ CF Austin Jackson has been covering ground all year and has been playing spectacular defense.

Over the last two games, Jackson has taken his defense to another level.

 

I wish I could share with you the two catches Jackson has made over the last two games, but Major League Baseball doesn’t allow their fans to share videos promoting their product.

Jackson made a catch in the ninth inning of the Armando Galarraga/Jim Joyce game that was Willie Mays-eque. He covered so much ground to his right on that play it was jaw dropping.

Then he was at it again yesterday in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians. Jackson tracked down a drive by Luis Valbuena, but this time to his left.

For those following Jackson all year, these catches and this high level of defense is nothing new. In a short period of time, Jackson has already established himself as one of the better defensive center fielders in the game.

Jackson has only made one error so far this season and currently ranks sixth amongst all center fielders with a 4.1 UZR. His defense in center has been better so far than defensive standouts like Torii Hunter and Adam Jones.

While Jackson’s .341 average will probably garner most of the headlines, it’s his defense which might win him the AL Rookie of the Year award.

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