Dodgers News: Chris Perez Talks About Decision To Join The Dodgers

A couple days after his signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers became official, right-handed reliever Chris Perez discussed his decision to join the reigning National League West champion Dodgers.

Signed for one-year with a base salary of $2.3 million and incentives that can bring the contract between $6-$8 million, it isn’t known where Perez fits in the Dodgers bullpen since he’s been a closer for the last four years.

According to MLB Network Radio, Perez had one idea in mind when he came to Los Angeles:

Perez on LA:"The name of the game is winning and you can't help but notice what they've done over the last couple of years acquiring talent"

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 26, 2013

The 28-year-old mentioned that he had opportunities to close elsewhere, but that those teams were not ready to win now. Perez wanted to be a part of a winner and he spoke highly of the Dodgers and their immediate future. The Dodgers were two wins away from reaching the World Series in 2013 and figure to be a top contender in the upcoming season. They return their top three starting pitchers, all but one starter in the field and their best arms in the bullpen. The additions of Perez, Alexander Guerrero and Jamey Wright should only help in their winning ways.

Perez was with the Cleveland Indians since 2009 and wasn’t apart of a winning season with them until last season’s wild card game appearance. The right-hander has saved 124 games for the club since being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals. He joins a Dodger bullpen with a few former closers in front of current closer Kenley Jansen. Perez figures to throw the seventh in most games with Brian Wilson and Jansen closing out the final two innings.

The right-hander made headlines last season when he was caught delivering marijuana to his home addressed to his dog. He also criticized the Indians’ fans last season and boycotted the media after the backlash from his works. The Dodgers hope he can overcome his past and bring his power stuff to solidify the bullpen.

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