Joc Pederson’s 1994 Buick Century to be given away by Albuquerque Isotopes

It won't be long before Joc Pederson, the 19th ranked prospect according to MLB.com's middle-season rankings, is living the major league life with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, it's expected he'll get his first taste this September as a role player behind the Dodgers already loaded outfield.

Obviously, this impending promotion and a likely long term future in MLB will allow Pederson to make upgrades in his life. With that in mind, before his 2014 stint with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes ends, Pederson is looking to literally give away the 1994 Buick Century he bought for $1,000 during his time there, and according to a press release on Friday, the team is going to help him out by giving fans an opportunity to win the car.

One lucky fan at the Albuquerque Isotopes game next Friday, Aug. 29, will drive away (or tow away) outfielder Joc Pederson’s luxurious 1994 Buick Century. Fans will not want to miss the chance to win this one-of-a-kind car driven by the next Los Angeles Dodgers superstar.

The car, nicknamed “Little Chucky,” has only 166,000 miles on it and has at least one operable window, which is really all you need. It is perfect for cruising around during the New Mexico summers with its “awesome” stereo system and lack of air conditioning. Kelly Blue Book estimates the value at nearly $1,000 (depending on if it has a full tank of gas). Little Chucky will also come with two complimentary air fresheners and whatever else Pederson forgets to clean out.

(Albuquerque Isotope)
(Albuquerque Isotope)

We always enjoy documenting some of the best — and also some of the worst — ballpark giveaways during a given season, but this would definitely be the first ballpark tow away, should it come down to that. At the very least, it sounds like a much bigger hassle than asking for and receiving an autograph to serve as a memento, but its uniqueness and Pederson's stature as an elite prospect may make it worthwhile.

“May not be a classic car,” general manager Traub said, “but he’s had a classic season.”

Not only a classic season, but a potentially historic season according to True Blue LA's Eric Stephen

Pederson on the season is hitting .302/.425/.568 with 27 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 105 games for the Isotopes. With 19 games remaining in the minor league season, he has a good chance at becoming the first Pacific Coast League player in 80 years to finish with 30 home runs and 30 steals in the same season.

As Stephen notes, it's difficult for a player to achieve a 30-30 season at any level, but particularly in the minor leagues, where promotions become more likely when players put up Pederson's numbers. His circumstances are different because the Dodgers outfield already includes five legit major leaguers in Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke.

The Dodgers will likely reshuffle the outfield deck during the offseason, which should open up an opportunity for Pederson. But for at least three more weeks, he's staying in Albuquerque. And for two of them, it sounds like he'll need a ride.

There's also a report coming out late Friday afternoon that if Pederson does return to Triple A in 2015, it'll be in a different city. According to Michael Baldwin of the Oklahoman, a group affiliated with the Dodgers is on the brink of purchasing the Oklahoma City minor league team, which would then become their Triple-A affiliate. The Dodgers have not confirmed the report and the Isotopes are denying such knowledge, but it's something to keep an eye on in the coming days. 

BLS H/N: Larry Brown Sports

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Mark Townsend

is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!