Conor

Jackson

Jackson played some first base in college. “It’s like riding a bike,” he said. “I’m going to go whereever they want me to.” The Diamondbacks think he’s a better fit in left field, but if Richie Sexson isn’t brought back, maybe Jackson could take over at first base in the second half or 2005 or in 2006.

Jackson set a league record with 32 doubles while batting .312 with six home runs and 55 RBI for short-season Yakima. Not bad for just two-and-a-half months of baseball.

This isn’t a good sign at all. Jackson has made two starts in eight days in the majors.

Jackson had just eight homers (and 38 doubles) in 333 at-bats before being recalled from Triple-A Tucson. It will be interesting to see what this does for his playing time. Manager Bob Melvin knows Jackson can hit, but he’s concerned about his defense at first base. This was just the rookie’s third start in 10 days with the club.

The eye is swollen, but Jackson could see well enough to draw a walk as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. ''I used him to hit, but it’s still pretty puffed up,’' manager Bob Melvin said. ''We’ll see where he is (today).’'

The Diamondbacks could muster just three hits off Burnett, so Jackson likely gets a pass today. With the Marlins throwing left-handers in each of the next two games it’ll be an interesting test to see how much manager Bob Melvin intends to play Jackson.

Jackson was able to appear as a pinch-hitter Saturday, but the eye was too swollen for him to start as planned today. Tony Clark played first base.

Jackson was hit in the eye by a practice ball that ricocheted off a beam. ''I don’t know how you can hit with one eye,’' manager Bob Melvin said. ''I know he was really looking forward to playing today, but what are you going to do? He was talking about trying to tape it open, but I’ve never seen an eye taped open before.’' Ironically, this is the same kid who made headlines a couple months ago when he was hit in the head by a home run while talking on his cell phone during a game while playing for Triple-A Tucson.

He should be back at first base after missing a few games with an eye injury.

Tony Clark is probably about to become a fixture at first base for the Diamondbacks. Jackson will hit if given a chance, but five errors in 49 innings at first base is clearly unacceptable.