Zack Greinke Is All About The Money: 'I'd Play For The Worst Team If They Paid The Most,' Says Newly Signed L.A. Dodgers Pitcher

As the baseball preseason gets into full swing, even the most hardened cynic can think back to when the game seemed a bit more innocent and a whole lot cheaper. Between lockouts, higher ticket prices, rising cable sports channel costs, it's refreshing to know that to some players, it's not all about the money.

Except when it's about the money.

Zack Greinke was incredibly frank about why he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the off-season. It turns out that it wasn't about Koufax, Robinson, Lasorda, or even Scully. No, it was all about the Benjamins. In an interview with CBSSports.com, the right-hander made it clear that it wasn't about Dodger Blue, but about Dodger green.

"I could play for the worst team if they paid the most," said Greinke. "If the last-place team offers $200 million and the first-place team offers $10, I'm going to go for the $200 million no matter what team it was."

The Dodgers didn't pay $200 million, but they had to walk in that neighborhood. In December, the Dodgers inked Greinke to a six-year deal worth $147 million. Not only is that a long way from $10, but it's the second highest deal for a pitcher, behind CC Sabathia's $161 million deal with the New York Yankees in 2009.

Call him greedy, a realist or just call him a prudent financial planner, at least you'll call him a Dodger for the next 6 years, right?

Wrong.

It was widely reported that the Texas Rangers were very close in acquiring Greinke's services, but it's speculated that Texas didn't refused a hree-year opt-out clause that would've allowed Greinke to seek even more money elsewhere. A lesser, but important, factor in his decision was not the faces on the currency, but also those behind the plate. He admitted his fondness for the National League played a role. "It's boring watching American League games to me," according to Greinke. "I don't know anyone who likes the American League games better. Maybe some fans do. But if you're not an actual DH, you probably prefer the National League."

The Dodgers certainly hope his love for the National League produces success similar to what he did last year. In 2012, Greinke had a record of 15-5 with 200 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.48.