It’s hard to imagine that Dodgers top outfield prospect Joc Pederson will not make the Dodgers Opening Day roster. Then again, we thought the same thing just two short years ago when a very young and very raw Yasiel Puig absolutely tore it up in spring training with his team-leading .517 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, five doubles, two triples, three home runs and 11 RBIs. The difference, of course, is that Puig had never played above the Double-A level prior to his eventual June 3, 2013 call-up whereas Pederson enters spring training 2015 with 38 MLB plate appearances already under his belt.

In all fairness to both Puig and Pederson, comparing the two is akin to comparing apples and oranges – they couldn’t be farther apart in the way they both play the game or how they came up through the Dodgers minor league system. This isn’t to say that neither has true superstar potential, Heaven knows they both certainly do. It’s simply to say that they are two very different players, but again, it’s simply hard to imagine that Pederson will not be the Dodgers Opening Day center fielder… or right fielder… or left fielder.

But making the Dodgers Opening Day roster is anything but a guaranteed thing – something that the 22-year-old Palo Alto, California native is very well aware of.

“They’re going to do what makes the team the best,” Pederson said. “I’m just going about my business preparing to help the team win and whatever I need to do to help the team win I’m going to do. I’m just looking forward to spring training.”

Although Pederson hit only .184 last spring, his three home runs were second most on the team behind only Hanley Ramirez’s four. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Pederson realizes that when the Dodgers traded former All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres this off-season the dynamics of the Dodgers outfield changed drastically. But by the same token, the acquisition of Chris Heisey and the perpetual non-trade of 32-year-old outfielder Andre Ethier – not to mention the return of utility outfielder Scott Van Slyke – still has the Dodgers outfield a bit overcrowded.

As for what Pederson thinks about Kemp’s trade to the division-rival Padres, thereby seemingly all but guaranteeing him a spot on the Dodgers 25-man roster, @yungjoc650 said exactly what he was supposed to say.

“I think Matt’s a good player, he’s been awesome for the Dodgers,” said Pederson. “I hope for the best for him down in San Diego, or at least when we’re not playing them.”

Pederson also said the right thing when asked if the Kemp trade gave him confidence that he will be in the Dodgers outfield on April 6 when the team opens the 2015 season against those very same Padres.

“I’m just working hard and whatever happens happens,” answered Pederson. “I don’t expect anything to be handed to me, it never has. I’ve been preparing just like I have been in the past with the opportunity to play. I’m going to continue to grow as a player. I still have a lot of stuff to work on. I’m just grateful and I’m excited for next month.”

After his September 1 call-up last season, Pederson quickly found out that big league pitching is nothing like minor league pitching and he struggled horribly. In 38 plate appearances Pederson went 4 for 28 (.143) with 11 strikeouts. He did, however, walk eight times in the 18 games in which he appeared giving him an impressive .351 OBP. What did Pederson learn while enjoying his cup of coffee in the big leagues?

“I think [I learned] a lot. It was good to kind of get my feet wet, I guess kind of getting adjusted to the big-league lifestyle,” Pederson said. “I mean, the media, the atmosphere, everything’s a little bit different here. I’m excited. There’s nothing like playing in the big leagues. It’s exciting.”

Pederson had a couple of near home runs during his brief time with the Dodgers last September.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Pederson definitely has a plan and mindset heading into spring training, knowing full well that there are others fighting for an everyday job in the Dodgers outfield.

“I think I just need to go about my business,” said Pederson. “No one ever really plays that good when they’re trying to prove something. Just try to be yourself and keep your head down and go about your business and work hard every day. It’s no good to draw any extra attention, just help the team win.”

Throughout his professional career Pederson has played all three outfield positions. Which is he most confident and comfortable in?

“I worked hard with our outfield coordinator and coming up they would rotate us at all of them, so I feel pretty comfortable at all of them,” Pederson answered.

Pederson’s autograph was among the most sought-after at last weekend’s FanFest event at Dodger Stadium. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

All things considered, does Pederson think he’ll be in the Dodgers outfield on Opening Day as most expect him to be?

“That’s out of my control,” said Pederson. “They’re going to do what’s best for the team, and if it’s best for me to be out there, awesome. It’s all about winning up here.”

That’s confidence speaking, not cockiness.

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Humorous Note:

When Pederson was asked at Saturday’s FanFest if he felt any added pressure now that he’s wearing jersey number 31, he got a quizzical look on his face and answered “I don’t know.” When he was informed that number 31 was once worn by future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, Pederson said “Oh… no, I don’t know. [Dodgers clubhouse manager] Mitch [Poole] had a list of numbers and I’ve worn number 31 before, so here…” Although Pederson certainly knows who Mike Piazza is, he was six years old when the former Dodger catcher last worn that jersey number.