Roger Arrieta
There is a funny story involving Zack Greinke and A.J. Ellis not many people have heard. Following the Dodgers 2013 NLCS defeat at the hands of the Cardinals, a conversation took place between Ellis and Greinke. Ellis asked Greinke what he would do to improve the Dodgers in the off season, and Greinke answered, “My first move would be to trade you, and sign Brian McCann. I think we could get a nice AA pitching prospect.” I don’t know Zack personally, but I know he is very much a student of the game, and what he recognized was the Dodgers would be better if they got more offense from the catching position. While McCann went on to sign a big deal with the Yankees, Ellis also remained the Dodgers catcher. Ellis also, was not very productive offensively in 2014, hitting a meager .191, with 3 HR and 25 RBI. His value isn’t his offense, but rather his game calling and preparation, something Dodgers pitchers, including Clayton Kershaw, have given him praise for. Yes, Ellis hit .538 in the post season this season this year, but that was a very small sample size, his career numbers are more indicative of the offensive player he his.
There happens to be a very intriguing free agent available this off season, former Dodgers catcher Russell Martin. Yes, Russell Martin, the player who was the heart and soul of the Dodgers during his career. Last season Martin had one of his best offensively, while batting .290, with 67 RBI, and 11 HR’s with the Pirates and he had an OBP of .402. These would all be an incredible improvement offensively for the Dodgers. While A.J. Ellis is still under club control in 2015, he could prove to be a very back up to Russell Martin. Martin is a better catcher offensively, and defensively than Ellis. Ellis is a better game caller, but as a back-up, he could very well help Martin become better. A.J. Ellis has garnered praise from Dodgers pitchers for his preparation, his analyzing of scouting reports and putting together successful game plans to execute. There is no reason to believe he wouldn’t continue to do that if he were relegated as the back-up to Russell Martin, he did it in 2009 and 2010 anyway.
A.J. Ellis is a lot of things, one of those things is a team player. As someone who spent parts of nine seasons in the minor leagues, before finally becoming the Dodgers starting catcher in 2012, he has certainly put his work in to get to where he is. Clayton Kershaw has already voiced his endorsement for A.J. being part of the 2015 Dodgers, and I still see that as a viable option. I do think having Ellis as a back-up and Martin as the everyday catcher, makes the Dodgers a better team. I think it would also be a role AJ would embrace and still manage to help the pitching staff the way he does now. The Dodgers are trying to put together a championship team, and Ellis of all people understands that, and I think as a smart baseball mind, he would understand why adding Martin is sure to help the team. Martin is 31, Ellis is 33 so there isn’t a huge difference in age, but Martin is definitely more athletic than AJ. Kershaw could have Ellis as his personal catcher, and he could spot Martin once or twice a week to keep Martin fresh. Just as Eithier wasn’t happy to be relegated to fourth outfielder this season, I wouldn’t expect Ellis to jump for joy at the thought of becoming a back-up catcher. But just as Either understood his demotion was what was best for the team, and gave them the best chance to be a championship club, I believe Ellis would realize this too. The Dodgers should definitely sign Russell Martin to a reasonable contract this off season, and keep Ellis as the back-up. I look forward to seeing what the front office decides to do.
