Former Cub Juan Pierre to sign with Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free agent center fielder Juan Pierre to a five-year contract on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Times, citing multiple sources, reported Monday night that deal is worth an estimated $44 million. Last season Pierre played for the Chicago Cubs, where he hit .292 with a league-leading 204 hits, 58 stolen bases and 87 runs scored in 162 games. Pierre also had 64 multi-hit games last season and had a career-high 32 doubles and tied his career high of 13 triples. He also did not have an error in 384 total chances in center field. "Juan`s ability to hit combined with his speed make him a perfect catalyst for our lineup," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. "His work ethic and character are second-to-none and he knows what it takes to win. He`s dedicated to the community and I truly believe the city of Los Angeles is going to love this player." The 29-year-old Pierre owns a .303 lifetime batting average over seven major league seasons. He began his career in Colorado, spending 2000-02 with the Rockies before moving on to play for the Florida Marlins for the next three seasons. Pierre has had over 200 hits in four of the last five seasons and since 2001, has had 1,182 hits, good for second best in the majors behind Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners.