Getting to Know: Shane Peterson
Many six-year free agents have a variety of reasons for choosing their next landing spot. Some return to where they have a comfort level. Other select teams that have pursued them in previous years. Still others rely on friends who’ve had experience. Shane Peterson picked a combination of all of those.
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Peterson is friends with Jake Elmore (now in camp with the Blue Jays), and raved about the Tampa Bay organization and his overall experience.
Peterson also thought there was a good opportunity within the organization. The 29-year-old has been with the A’s and Brewers, playing in the majors for both.
Peterson also was looking for a chance to play in the spring, after seeing the field for just 15 games a year ago. Peterson was hitting .347 (with an 1.122 OPS) for Colorado Springs when a pinched nerve in his throwing elbow sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Peterson has always been a high-on base player, collecting a .377 OBP in the minors, and has played corner outfield, as well as first base. In camp, he’ll play all three outfield spots, and so far has taken advantage of his opportunities. Peterson has started three of the first four games. He homered on Monday, and is 3-for-7 with a homer and three RBI in a Rays uniform.
