It’s not too often Major league baseball sees the kind of rookie year experienced in 2015 by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson. He was the toast of the town the first half of the season, setting franchise records, hitting massive home runs, and making the National League All-Star team at the tender age of 23.
Pederson also participated in the 2015 Home Run Derby, which he nearly won — losing in the final round to then-Cincinnati Reds third baseman and hometown hero Todd Frazier. But then it all ended as abruptly as it began.
After the All-Star break, in the immortal words of Tommy Lasorda, Pederson couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. He set a Dodgers rookie record for most strikeouts in a season (172), which also tied him for most overall with Matt Kemp’s record set in 2010.
What’s more, Pederson’s final batting average was a tepid .210. His rapid fall from grace was as meteoric as his rise had been when the season opened. After starting in the All-Star Game, he finished the season on the bench.
Given what occurred last year, it is natural to pose the question, “Which Joc Pederson is going to show up this season?” In answering that, the stakes are high for the Dodgers for several reasons.
For one, Pederson is an outstanding center fielder, which is arguably the most important defensive position on the field. He has the speed to make a difference in the outfield and on the basepaths.
Pederson also represents the first real test of what is heralded as a rejuvenated Dodgers’ farm system, which the front office has made a cornerstone of their strategy for the future. In addition to these factors, the Dodgers don’t have much clear-cut power in their lineup.
And during the time he was locked in at the plate last season, Pederson surprised fans and media alike with his home run prowess. On a team looking to contend in the present and future, Pederson’s age, talent and position make him a vital component to achieving success.
However, to understand why the Dodgers should be patient with their young center fielder, it is important to comprehend what Pederson can realistically bring to the table.
CONTINUE READING: Which Joc Pederson will the Dodgers see this season?
After Pederson was selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2010 draft, he led the Pioneer League, or was close, in numerous statistical categories the following year; including RBIs, outfield assists, stolen bases, on-base percentage, runs, and walks.
The next season, in Single-A ball, he was named the Dodgers’ Minor League Player of the Year, and was rated by Baseball America as the California League’s No. 3 prospect.
Pederson was equally successful at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. In 2013, he was rated best defensive player and most exciting player in the Southern League. Baseball America ranked him the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2013; an honor he later shared with Corey Seager after the 2014 season.
In 2014, Pederson became the PCL’s first player in 80 years to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. He was remarkably consistent, batting .306/.442/.573 with 19 home runs and 46 RBIs against right-handed pitching, .299/.422/.598 against lefties.
Pederson got his big chance when the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres in December 2014. During Spring Training last year, the young center fielder raised eyebrows as he led the club in home runs, RBIs and runs scored.
When the regular season began, Peterson, at age 22, was the youngest Dodger to start in center field in 46 years. One month into the 2015 season, it seemed certain that he was headed for immediate stardom.
In May, Pederson became the first Dodger in 46 years to hit home runs in four consecutive games, and the youngest player ever to do so. His nine home runs in May tied a Dodgers’ rookie record. His 13 home runs by May 31 tied an NL record (set in 1958) for second-most in baseball history.
Pederson was just getting started. On June 2, he hit home runs in both games of a double header at Coors Field. The second one measured 480 feet, which at that point in the season, was the longest in the Majors. He then hit home runs in five consecutive games, setting a franchise rookie record.
Pederson also broke Mike Piazza’s record for most home runs (20) by a Dodgers rookie at the All-Star break. He was the team’s first rookie in 20 years to make the All-Star team. Then, as quickly as it started, it came to an end.
There are several theories as to why Pederson crashed and burned after the All-Star break. The most obvious is the reality all rookies face: Major League pitchers adjust to hitters after facing them multiple times and reviewing video of other matchups.
Others posited the idea that overnight success went to Peterson’s head, and he became complacent and entitled. Yet, another theory is that he tried too hard to hit a home run every time he came to plate, instead of making consistent contact. In reality, it may have been a bit of everything.
Pederson spent the offseason working on improving the mechanics of his swing, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently noting he’s already seen improvement since joining the organization last November. Through the first 12 games this season, Pederson is batting .258/.316/.514 with two home runs, seven RBIs, two walks and 14 strikeouts in 38 plate appearances.
It is crucial for the Dodgers to stay patient with Peterson, just as they must remain patient with Seager. The two youngsters are the future faces of the franchise, and they have amply demonstrated they are far from average prospects.
Though he is off to a modest start this season, Peterson’s home run on Sunday night against the San Francisco Giants gave Los Angeles a lead they never relinquished. There is reason to believe that with time, this is what he can provide on a more consistent basis.
Last year was a tale of two seasons for Pederson. The Dodgers hope he quickly returns to the form that had the entire league buzzing just a year ago.