With the Chicago Cubs outlasting the Cleveland Indians in a historic Game 7 during the 2016 World Series, the MLB offseason officially begins. The Los Angeles Dodgers front office will be busy assembling a roster they hope can compete for a 2017 championship.
Meanwhile, the players will have to find other ways to spend their time away from baseball field. Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson jokingly asked the Los Angeles Rams for an audition and an opportunity to make his return to football:
I miss football…can I get a tryout @RamsNFL something like Tebows? High school comparison Jordy Nelson #offseasonjob
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) November 3, 2016
Pederson last played competitive football as a dual-sport athlete for Palo Alto High School. While Pederson ended up making a career out of baseball, he was no slouch on the football field. During his senior year, Pederson led his team in receptions (30) and receiving yards (650). For his performance in both sports, Palo Alto High School named him the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year.
Throughout his time within the Dodgers organization, Pederson has showcased his route running skills numerous times in center field by continually making highlight catches. He made the 2015 MLB All-Star game before slumping during the second half of the season.
The 2016 season saw improvements in Pederson’s approach to the game, especially at the plate. After striking out 270 times in 2015, Pederson only did so 230 times this past season on his way to hitting for a .246/.352/.495 slash line. He was fourth on the team in home runs (25) and WAR (3.4).
