Can the Tigers entrust center field to Austin Jackson?
Henning hypothesizes Austin Jackson isn’t quite ready, yet leaves Lakeland with the job, but is sent back down to Toledo much sooner than later. That’s not going to fly with a fan base ready to vent their spleens from the stands, feeling betrayed by the trade of the face of the franchise. The Tigers have put the kid into one Hell of a spot. Despite never playing in a major league game, Jackson is being asked to anchor the outfield defense playing between a pair of gimpy corner outfielders who should be DHing, and supply respectable offense while replacing the most loved Tiger player since Al Kaline. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Jackson cracks under the pressure like Rick Porcello cracked Kevin Youkilis’ skull. So to answer the question, no. I’m not saying Jackson will ultimately fail in Detroit. I am saying don’t be surprised if he doesn’t take the CF job and run with it this season. Jackson will get more than one chance to take over center, as Dave Dombrowski’s future depends on
