Center fielder Jackson likens M’s to young Tigers teams

PEORIA, Ariz. — This all seems familiar as center fielder Austin Jackson looks around the Seattle Mariners’ clubhouse.

A true superstar in the middle of the lineup bracketed by a few other All-Star quality players? Check. A genuine No. 1 pitcher atop a rotation loaded with other proven arms? Check. A roster dotted with veteran players? Check.

Jackson looks at the Mariners and sees the Detroit Tigers.

“I even made that comparison a few times last year,” he said. “It reminds me a lot of when I first got to the Tigers (in 2010). We were young and had a good mix, but we hadn’t quite meshed yet.

“Over the years, we kind of built up that team chemistry. You look at this team this year, and there are a lot of similarities to a few of those Tigers teams.”

Jackson joined the Tigers in 2010 when they were coming off a stretch of 22 years with one postseason appearance. That year, they would finish .500 before starting a run of four straight division crowns.

He saw what turns a club into a perennial postseason participant.

“It takes some leadership,” Jackson said, “guys stepping up and really being vocal leaders — and then being able to go out and lead by example. This team has those guys.”

These Mariners also have Jackson, who spent most of the last five years as the triggerman atop the Detroit lineup before a July 31 deadline trade last year brought him to the Pacific Northwest.

The change didn’t go well.

Jackson struggled over the final two months, compiling a .229/.267/.260 slash (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) in 54 games that paled in comparison to his pre-trade career numbers of .277/.342/.413.

“It was a tough transition,” said manager Lloyd McClendon, who spent four years as Jackson’s hitting coach in Detroit. “Offensively, he fell into some bad habits that we need to clean up.”

The problem required more than a mechanical tune-up, though. Jackson realizes, in retrospect, that he simply didn’t adjust well to the change and, subsequently, allowed problems to mushroom.

“When you come in (from another team) and get thrown into the fire,” he said, “you’re trying to fit in. You’re trying to get to know guys and do your best to contribute.”

When it didn’t click right away, Jackson tried harder — he pressed — and it backfired. An offseason’s reflection brought him to camp this spring with a resolve to relax.

“I think a big thing is just being able to get started here,” he said. “Start with the team and be in a situation where it’s just about getting your work in, really just getting into baseball shape.

“You’re able to just relax because you’re not really worry about the results as much. You can just think about getting yourself prepared for the season.”

So far, so good.

Jackson is 5-for-14 in four games and flashed his speed Thursday against Oakland with a line-drive triple and in beating out a grounder for an infield single.

“My approach is to use the whole field,” he said. “Not try to do too much. Just take what they’re giving me. Don’t try to pull too much. Don’t try to hit for a lot of power.

“Just make sure I’m seeing it and putting a good swing on it.”

McClendon identifies Jackson as “the key” to the Mariners’ attack.

“At the top of the order,” McClendon said, “we need him to jump-start things. I told Austin this, I don’t need a career year out of him. I just need him to be the good player that he is.

“If Austin Jackson hits .270 and has an on-base percentage of .340, then we’ll be OK. I don’t need him to be that guy who hits 25 home runs in the leadoff spot. I just need him to get on base.”

Then it really might seem like Detroit.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.