Dodgers Have Struck Gold With Joc Pederson And Alex Guerrero

I’ve often heard sports fans say to never fall in love with the name on the back of the jersey but rather focus on the name across the front of the jersey. If you’ve been paying attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, you can’t help but love their outstanding rookies Joc Pederson and Alex Guerrero.

Both Pederson and Guerrero have been quite a pleasant surprise in the majors. I don’t think anyone projected this level of success for the rookie major leaguers — At least so early in their respective careers. Kudos to the Dodgers’ front office and scout team for holding on to these prized sluggers. L.A.’s brass quickly turned down trade inquiries from interested teams for Pederson last season. Also the patience the club has shown with Guerrero’s development in the minors is paying dividends in 2015.

This season, 23-year-old Pederson (.267/.393/.606/.998) has hit 17 home runs for the boys in blue. He’s knocked out five bombs in five consecutive games. Not to mention, two of his 17 home runs have been absolutely crushed and are among the highest long balls in the majors this season. Not even Yasiel Puig got off to such a hot start. His defense in CF has been very good prompting manager Don Mattingly to say his young player is the “best defensive center fielder” on the club.

The Dodgers showed total confidence in Pederson’s ability by shipping away long-time Dodger Matt Kemp. Kemp has so far hit one home run this season for the San Diego Padres. Pederson is coming off a season where he hit 30 HRs in the minor leagues. He’s on pace to surpass that tally in the majors. That is insane for the prized rookie. He’s among the HR leaders and fans are advocating for Joc to be included in the All-Star game.

Pederson will no doubt be in the running for rookie of the year.

Not to be outshone is 28-year-old Guerrero (.297/.333/.683/1.017) who in 13 less games than Pederson has knocked ten balls out of the park. What’s impressive about the Cuban slugger is that most of his damage has been from the bench. The Dodgers are stacked with depth at all positions. Justin Turner, Scott Van Slyke and Kike Hernandez have been solid as well giving manager Don Mattingly a good problem to have.

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The Dodgers responded by trading away fan favorite Juan Uribe to free-up playing time for Guerrero’s bat. Guerrero repaid the Dodgers by hitting a game-winning grand slam in the 9^th inning against the Colorado Rockies. L.A. signed Guerrero in 2013 but his call-up to the big leagues was impeded several times. Visa issues, injuries, more specifically getting his ear bitten off by a teammate (yes, you read that right) and this season for simply no space on the field.

Guerrero was scouted as a second baseman but has seen time at third base and left field. His versatility and bat have been a welcome addition on the team. With Uribe gone, it’s Guerrero’s position to lose especially when Puig and Carl Crawford return from injury and Andre Ethier swinging the bat well in the outfield. I doubt he plays second base with Howie Kendrick playing well and new Cuban signing Hector Olivera getting ready. Shortstop is out of the question as 20-year-old prospect Corey Seager is seasoning up to take over sometime this year or next season.