"I've been wanting an opportunity for the last couple years, and I didn't really care what role it was," said Peterson, 27. "I was happy being up here as the fifth outfielder, pinch-hitting when needed, but now I'm getting an opportunity to start more. It's all bonus for me."
Peterson grew up playing first base, but since he stands at 6-feet tall and does not hit for prodigious power, the Cards moved him to the outfield in the pro ranks. He mostly stayed there after a trade to the A's (in the 2009 Matt Holliday deal) and a pair of waiver claims last winter that led him to the Brewers.