Detroit Tigers Wiretap

Austin Jackson Working On Swing To Reduce Ks

Austin Jackson is working on his swing to reduce his strikeouts this season.

The Detroit outfielder is forcing himself to keep his front leg down in a change that he said won't be drastic.

He struck out 181 times in 2011 as the leadoff hitter.

"We are excited that he's getting rid of the leg kick," manager Jim Leyland said. "He knew he had to make a change and he had to want to change. We had to sell it to him."

Via Associated Press

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Tigers Won't Rule Out Roster Surprise

The Tigers are leaving open the possibility that a long-shot could make their roster out of Spring Training.

"I think there's a real chance," manager Jim Leyland said. "But I don't want everyone to come in like a bull in a china shop thinking, 'I have to make this team.'

"That backfires on guys."

Via Detroit News

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Leyland: Cabrera 'On A Mission' To Prove He Can Play Third

A slimmed down Miguel Cabrera is motivated to prove he can make the move from first base to third.

"I think he's on a mission," manager Jim Leyland said. "I think he's on a mission to show people he can play third base. I just don't want him to put too much pressure on himself, but his attitude is tremendous. It always is."

Cabrera wouldn't admit any sort of extra motivation.

"No," he answered politely. "I want to win some games. I'll go over there and do my best and do my best to help the pitchers get some outs and try to get some wins. That's what I'm going to do.

"I don't want to try to show everybody I can play third base, because, why? What's the reason? There's no reason to hear all the negative things they say about me playing third base."

Via MLB.com

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