More from John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle: Mark Ellis still wants to re-sign with the Athletics in the offseason rather than test free agency, which could be lucrative for him. This remains even after the A’s drafted second baseman Jemile Weeks with their first pick in the draft. Says Ellis,
"You never know what’ll happen in the draft. You need players. Baseball drafts aren’t like football or basketball drafts where you see these guys right away."
True. If Jemile Weeks comes up in 2-3 years, Ellis could be a trade piece for Beane but that’s very conditional and Ellis is happy in Oakland. Solidifying reports that he’ll stay in Oakland, Ellis says,
"I would think if something got done, it would be before the season’s over. I’m not saying (free agency) wouldn’t be fun to do, but I’m happy here. The organization has been good to me, and it’s an organization (in which) you always have a chance to win. You never know what’s out there (on the open market). You don’t know if everyone will like you or if nobody will like you."
Nothing new there, but it’s always refreshing to see a player take a hometown discount, as Ellis seemingly will, instead of the big payday in free agency. I’m sure Orlando Hudson agrees.
By Nat Boyle
