Joc Pederson Gives First Look At New Dodgers Jersey (PHOTO)
After years of speculation outfielder Joc Pederson was primed for time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his time arrived in September when active rosters expanded to 40.
Pederson appeared in 18 games, hit .143/.351/.143 with nine walks and 11 strikeouts in 38 plate appearances. While it was a small sample size, Pederson’s first experience in the Majors wasn’t the greatest success, but it gave him an understanding of what to improve on heading into the 2015 season.
Considered one of the top prospects in the Dodgers’ organization, Pederson is staring down the opportunity to become the team’s center fielder now that Yasiel Puig is being moved back to right field. During his historic 30-30 season with Triple-A Albuquerque, Pederson wore No. 3 and No. 65 with the Dodgers.
However, the prized prospect was one of a handful of players who were given a new number for the upcoming season. With Drew Butera no longer on the team, Pederson will wear the iconic No. 31, made popular by former Dodger catcher Mike Piazza.
Prior to Butera donning No. 31, Brandon League wore it during the 2012-2013 season, and prior to that Tim Federowicz had the honor during his seven-game stint in 2011. With it being three weeks until Pederson gets to done his new number in Spring Training, he offered a first look via his Instagram account on Friday:
Mike Piazza will always be Dodgers number 31 for eternity !
Yes loved Piazza. Hated when those idiots traded him for nothing. Hope he makes the HOF next year he deserves it. Hope #31 gives Pederson some luck. The kid is going to need every break to make it. If he makes the club out of Spring Training they will bat him low in the line up which should help him see some major league pitching.