http://twitter.com/#!/DTNSports/status/204267916961652736

Despite pitching in front of the second largest crowd of the season at Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians All-Star closer Chris Perez called out his own fans, saying:

“They booed me against the Mariners when I had two guys on. It feels like I can’t even give up a base runner without people booing me. It’s even worse when there’s only 5,000 in the stands, because then you can hear it. It pisses me off.”

Strange timing for Perez, who picked up the save in the Indians’ 2-0 victory over the Marlins.

Perez continues:

“I was tired of getting booed at home so I figured, ‘I’d better throw some strikes.’ You can quote that. After I struck out Montero, the mock standing applause just adds to it. You see their true colors.”

The 26-year-old speculated that top free agents don’t sign with Cleveland for this very reason.

“Guys don’t want to come over here and people wonder why. Why doesn’t Carlos Beltran want to come over here? Well, because of that.”

Timing of Chris Perez rant in Cleveland about lack of fan support seems goofy given that Tribe has drawn 58K for first two games vs. Fish.

— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) May 20, 2012

Chris Perez made it pretty clear that he doesn't want to play here. Even if the Indians sell out every game, he will leave for more money.

— Ryan C (@RyanInCLE) May 20, 2012

Dear Chris Perez: I have to work today and I'm about to see my bank account evaporate in a month. Is it ok to watch the Indians on TV today?

— Mike (@MikeAmmo) May 20, 2012

https://twitter.com/#!/JohnJBrown87/status/204032829494018050

It puts the organization an a tough spot, but management met with Perez today.

Chris Perez was called into the principals' office this morning. Met with GM Antonetti and Pres Shapiro over comments critical of fans Sat

— Dennis Manoloff (@dmansworld474) May 20, 2012

Still, there are those that support the closer’s comments. Meanwhile, he is trying to make amends by offering three pairs of tickets to every home game the rest of the season.

https://twitter.com/#!/ChrisPerez54/status/204174596054855680

https://twitter.com/#!/ChrisPerez54/status/204174837483192320

https://twitter.com/#!/klaughlin11/status/204191929217449984

@ChrisPerez54 is a class act. Personal experience when he interacted with my son. We have the ball on his dresser. Truth sometimes hurts

— John Satanek Jr (@satanek35) May 20, 2012

What we want from athletes: productivity, personality, character, accessibility, entertainment value, needle moving. Checks on all for CP

— Dennis Manoloff (@dmansworld474) May 20, 2012

Baseball is such a cliche sport. Give @ChrisPerez54 credit for telling it like it is, even if it wasn't what the fans & media wanted to hear

— Eric Erme (@EricE706626) May 20, 2012

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2012/05/20/indians-all-star-closer-dumps-on-cleveland-fans/