Jackson lone man at first for D-backs

Conor Jackson has a new outlook this year, in part because the shadow of Tony Clark won't be lurking around anymore.

"I never knew when I'd be playing with Tony Clark kind of over my shoulder," Jackson said. "It's good to know that you're the guy. It instills a little confidence in you, and I worked hard in the off season to instill some confidence in the staff and front office."

Jackson admits he had been trying too hard in the past to be something that he wasn't, mainly a guy who was going to hit 40 home runs a year.

"The bottom line is production's production," Jackson said, "whether you're hitting 20 (homers) and driving in 100 or hitting 40 and driving in 100. It's still driving in 100 runs."

Back in January, when I posted my preferred batting order for the team this year, I put Jackson in the 3rd spot. I believe that still might be the spot where he ends up. Although Melvin will go through his normal lineup du jour this year, Conor seems to be as focused as he's ever been, and wouldn't surprise me if he can hit right around .300 with 100 steaks.