Jackson experiences rare defensive glitches

ANAHEIM -- Austin Jackson's defensive credentials over his first three Major League seasons have made him an annual candidate for Gold Glove Award consideration. However, he has two uncharacteristic mixups in left-center field this month.

The latest came on Friday night, when Jackson and left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo both tracked a Peter Bourjos drive to the fence. Jackson gave way to Tuiasosopo, who was calling for the ball but stopped. Jackson didn't have enough time to recover, and the ball glanced off his glove as he made a last-second attempt.

"I think he probably had a bead on it," Leyland said, "and out of the corner of his eye he saw Tuiasosopo coming at him like a locomotive. All of a sudden, it was a little flinch."

Jackson and Andy Dirks had a similar play earlier this month. Under most circumstances, the center fielder has the priority on that play.