Green Likes New Home Park

Shawn Green is excited to join the Arizona Diamondbacks -- finally.

Green, who agreed to the trade from the Dodgers after getting a $32-million, three-year contract that runs through 2007, had been the subject of trade rumors since the end of the season.

“I couldn’t be happier with the change for me,” he said. “The team that I was really hoping would work out is Arizona. It’s my favorite park to play in, and it’s my favorite city to come to. It was a perfect fit for me and for my family.”

Green has a .314 average and .629 slugging percentage at Bank One Ballpark with 14 homers and 40 runs batted in in 175 at-bats, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“I just see the ball really well here with the background,” he said. “L.A. was great for the five years I was there. But, obviously, it was time to move on. There’s no secret about that. It’s close. Spring training is out here in Arizona, obviously, and to play a 45-minute flight from where all our family is is great.”

Green likes the makeup of the team. “There’s no superstar egos, which a lot of teams run into trouble with that,” he said, “and I just think it’s going to be a great mix.”