PHOENIX — Eduardo Rodriquez is a family man through and through. The 30-year-old southpaw agreed to a four-year $80 million deal to join the Diamondbacks, which in his eyes, was a no-brainer decision.
"A big reason to come to Arizona was to be close to my family," Rodriguez said. "The fact I can stay in Arizona year-round due to spring training being here, was a big deal."
Of course, an even bigger reason was due to the recent World Series appearance the Diamondbacks made this past season.
"I know these guys are coming off of the World Series and they're hungry to win the World Series," Rodriguez said. "I want to be a part of that."
Rodriguez knows the Diamondbacks roster is filled with talent from top to bottom and there isn't one particular player he wants to play with. In fact, it's the entire team that has him excited to be here in the Valley.
"I don't have one favorite player I want to play with on this team," Rodriguez said. "I want to play with everyone because they are all talented."
It is also a homecoming of sorts for the pitcher, teaming back up with Manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen. Remember, Rodriguez started his career in Boston with Hazen in the front office and Lovullo as the Red Sox's bench coach.
"He was in the dugout everyday, so that was kind of like having a teammate and now he's going to be my manager," Rodriguez said with a smile. "That was a good relationship. Seeing him do his job, getting mad, being happy with the players, now we're going to see it in person as a manager. I know that was a big reason why I decided to come to Arizona."
After the introductory press conference, Rodriguez and his family walked onto Chase Field to take in what will be their new home come spring. An addition to the team that certainly pushes them one step closer to bringing a World Series back home here to the Valley for the first time in 23 years.