This one goes out to all those who have ever been in second place. This one is for the bridesmaid, rather than the bride. We are talking about that one guy – Jake Peter. The Dodger who is hitting his way onto the 40-man roster each spring afternoon by spring afternoon while wearing the number 87 on his back. Jake Peter won’t be unknown for long if this incredible run continues.

Admittedly, we don’t even have a feature image available for Peter at the time of this post. His performance has us scrambling on the fly. Wise men have often said to never trust a man with two first names as his whole name; but Peter is making headway with me one big swing at a time.

Peter is the non-roster invitee who was a quiet toss-in from the White Sox on the day they also acquired Scott Alexander.

Full disclaimer, Peter didn’t get a hit on Tuesday. In the three days prior, he homered in three consecutive games.

In 10 spring games, he’s hitting .389. He leads the organization with three homers, 12 RBI, and has struck out only once in 18 at bats. Peter also leads the team in slugging percentage (1.056). Beyond just the numbers – when you get a look at his swing – there are some items that should intrigue.

He seems to have a natural power coil stroke from the left side, and the fact that the home run was backside in the video above isn’t likely just a fluke. Peter just might have power to all fields, something that plays well in a spacious park like Dodger Stadium.

Peter offers position versatility in being able to play the infield and outfield. My mind is starting to wander with each big box score line I see if this is a player who pushes Chase Utley for the left-handed AB’s at second base. Or could this be the 2018 version of Chris Taylor?

I think back to a post about the non-roster invitees where Peter was given nary a mention by yours truly. In the final paragraph, I talked about finding the 25th man from an unheralded source. I had no idea that man’s name could be Jake Peter.

Analysis:

We have no idea when this ride ends so let’s enjoy it.This is a feel good story that could potentially end up a big story. Everyone checks the spring box score each day for Corey Seager’s line or scours the highlights to see Keibert Ruiz’s knocks. It’s the on-fire, everyman like Peter that makes spring training baseball magical. Jake Peter earned this post. And by season’s end, there’s a chance that he’s traded in his number 87 for an everyday spot on a pennant winning club and a solid nickname.

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