Joc Pederson Is Changing Dodger Culture For The Better

Not too long ago, all the rage was about young superstar Yasiel Puig — now the focus shifts to the new Dodger phenom Joc Pederson.

We all remember just how big of a deal Yasiel Puig was — and still is — when he broke out this time two years ago.

Puig, of all people, ended his debut game with an insane throw to snag a double play against the San Diego Padres.

That’s a pretty tough debut to beat, especially in a franchise that makes the headlines as much as the Dodgers do.

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But now it’s Joc Pederson’s turn.

Pederson has brought a ton of home run capital and left us all even more amazed with his defensive game.

And yes, he’s a rookie.

This being the second year in the previous three that the Dodgers have found themselves with a diamond in the rough, it’s hard to argue that players have a tendency to shy away from the spotlight in major league baseball.

Because if they did, how do you explain Puig and Pederson?

They definitely do not play the same way, but it’s clear that the two young guns are exactly what the Dodgers will need to get by in the National League and try to make a run for a pennant in the near future.

Because look at this way; the Cardinals have all the experience you could ask for, the Giants have the championship swagger, and the Dodgers (for a long time) have been caught somewhere in between.

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But now they’ve got some serious consistency.

Pederson has put up nothing but solid numbers for it being his first venture in The Bigs, throwing down 17 home runs, 33 RBI’s, and a batting average just a wink beneath .250.

When you add that to Puig’s powerful outfield play and a guy like Adrian Gonzalez in your lineup, you’re bound to create problems for any team you go up against.

It’s one thing to be able to really throttle your opponent, but the damage increases ten-fold when the one doing the damage has barely stepped foot in the professional spectrum.

While there’s no telling how long San Francisco’s post-season dependability or St. Louis’ reign of terror will last, there is still hope beyond that for the Dodgers because, if we know Los Angeles, they’ll want to lock Pederson down for a while if he continues to produce at this level.

With the Clippers, we’re known as ‘Lob City’. To others, we’re known as the ‘City of Angels.’

Bottom Line: Pederson provides the push that LA’s been needing

But now he’s got the keys.

He’s no Bo Jackson. He’s no Yasiel Puig.

He doesn’t need to be.

This is Joc Pederson — and his time is now.

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