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Padres To Sign A.J. Ellis

By Mark Polishuk | February 14, 2018 at 9:54pm CDT

The Padres have signed catcher A.J. Ellis, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.  The agreement is a minor league deal, according to MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell (all links to Twitter). Ellis can earn at a $1.25MM rate in the majors, Jon Heyman of Fan Rag tweets.

The longtime Dodgers catcher is returning to the NL West after spending the end of the 2016 campaign with the Phillies and 2017 with the Marlins.  Ellis hit .210/.298/.371 with six homers over 163 plate appearances for Miami last season, working behind A.J. Realmuto.  He’ll now look to serve as Austin Hedges’ backup with the Padres, as Ellis will compete with Rocky Gale, Rafael Lopez, and Luis Torrens for the job.

Padres manager Andy Green said earlier today that his team was still considering adding veteran catchers and shortstops on minor league deals to compete for jobs in spring camp, so the Ellis signing checks one box off the front office’s to-do list.  Ellis has far more experience than his competition, so he could have a leg up on Gale and company given Ellis’ ability to serve as a mentor to San Diego’s many young pitchers.

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San Diego Padres Transactions A.J. Ellis

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71 Comments

  1. Kwflanne

    7 years ago

    Easily wins the backup job out of spring training. Another light hitting addition to the swinging friars roster!

    Reply
  2. need_a_no-no_pads

    7 years ago

    I’m ok with this, give Hedges a veteran as a backup

    1
    Reply
  3. BusterMove

    7 years ago

    Trade for Kershaw is next.

    3
    Reply
    • wrigleywannabe

      7 years ago

      I’m expecting more juvenile comments first

      1
      Reply
    • FriendOfBoras

      7 years ago

      Padres may have interest in trading for Kershaw once he is out of his prime. They’ll use the words “veteran presence” to justify it.

      Reply
    • small_market_chub

      7 years ago

      Wouldn’t mind watching Kershaw ride out his “Bortolo” years in SD. As a season ticket holder, it’s always the Dodgers moments we have to live for anyways.

      Reply
  4. FriendOfBoras

    7 years ago

    It’s a minor league deal, but I bet he’ll make the team. Pads have virtually no major league caliber catchers on their roster.

    Reply
    • Nohrz71

      7 years ago

      Other than Hedges. Who could be on any mlb team with his skillset.

      3
      Reply
      • FriendOfBoras

        7 years ago

        I’m sure that’s your opinion as a Padres fan. I only speak based on facts and that .214 batting average last year contradicts what you just said.

        1
        Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          71 wrc+ from a top 5 if not top 3 defensive catcher in baseball is acceptable.

          You tried though.

          Stat corner rated him the 3rd best defensive catcher behind grandal and flowers last year statcorner.com/CatcherReport.php

          According to fangraphs he was 8th in a basic stat like dwar and 2nd in defensive runs saved.

          fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=c&stats=fld�…

          Im sure thats your opinion though, but the experts contradict what youre saying.

          4
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Lmao, you get your stats from fan graph and stat corner huh? No wonder your misguided. I’ll let you believe what you want, unfortunately the truth is Hedges could use another year or 2 in El Paso.

          1
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Rocky Gale is more MLB ready than hedges.

          1
          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Says the expert citing batting average for a catcher lol. 1970s called. They want their stat back.

          4
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          That’s the only stat I mentioned, certainly not all I’m going off. Are you insinuating that batting average is a worthless stat in measuring the ability of a player?

          1
          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          For catcher it is. You can get a superb defensive catcher that can hit over .200 most teams will sacrifice the offense for the sure fire defense and pitch framing behind the plate.

          Catchers are judged more on their defense than their offense. Which is why a guy who sucks at defense as a catcher is moved to 1B or OF.

          4
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Rocky gale is a great defensive catcher, I don’t think anyone can deny that! But why has he never really stuck in the bigs? Because what your saying is complete crap! It’s not all about defense when it comes to catchers, they gotta be able to swing the dam bat and get on base aswell otherwise they aren’t exactly major leave caliber! Pitchers are the only exception when it comes to having crap batting stats.

          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          It’s obvious you don’t know much about the game of baseball, I’m going to agree to disagree and move on, you’re wasting my time.

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Rocky gale is below .200 batting in his mlb career LOL. BELOW .

          maybe you got confused when i said OVER .200

          Dont worry people usually confuse below and over it is quite common. For children under 5.

          2
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Did you even read a word I wrote? I never claimed Rocky to be a better hitter than Hedges. He is better defensively though. Gale is an outstanding catcher, hitting is his weakness though and that’s what has caused him to basically be a career minor leaguer. Get some sleep kid it’s gotta be past your bed time.

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          LOL this dude rage quit. Thats classic. Got his butt owned and went home LOL. I dont think ive ever seen anyone rage quit that badly on here before. Guess he had enough of being proven wrong.

          3
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Your insane lol. Your not even reading what I write, and your trying to argue over things I never said. Again, I never claimed Gale was a great hitter. I’ve had enough of your baseless claims not backed by statistical data. I’ve proven all of my points with valid statistics to back them, you just like to spread lies and fan based views.

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          I read what you wrote. Given how simplistic your argument, reasoning, comprehension, and opinions are all you’ve done is

          You- .214 ba is a problem
          Me- .214 isnt that bad when youre great at defense
          You- ROCKY GALE GOOD AT DEFENSE STOOPID
          Me- rocky gale hits below .200
          You- YOU NO READ WHAT I TYPE
          Me- you done embarassing yourself yet?
          You- NO I TYPE MORE YOU NO STOP ME

          Ice up.

          5
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Troll!

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Ice up son. Anytime you need a reminder who your daddy is kiddo ill be here to help you figure out this complex game of baseball.

          3
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          You know nothing about baseball lol. As I have said, all of your talking points have been based on opinion, mine are based on stats, and I schooled your ass! Take a walk.

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Lol its pathetic you believe that. Man, I must of whooped your butt too hard throwing out facts that your mind couldnt handle apparently.

          Must still be trying to figure out what dwar and drs and wrc stand for lol. Fool is over here trying to pronounce them like words and has no idea what an acronym is lol. Classic.

          Drs doesnt stand for doctors kiddo.

          3
          Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Lmao, and every comment you make just proves my point even more that you know nothing about baseball, especially when it comes to statistics.

          Reply
        • mcdusty31

          7 years ago

          Rage quit? Are you coming up with these sayings yourself or is that what the Kardashians are saying these days?

          2
          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          The term rage quit has been around for quite some time actually. Initially, it was started as a term for people thats flip over board games when they were losing before the game was over.

          2
          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          The only stat you mentioned and cited was batting average. You know 1 stat. Which apparently is also your IQ level.

          3
          Reply
        • mcdusty31

          7 years ago

          Right, I’m sure it’s been around forever…now I just feel plain stupid for not realizing it…I would actually call someone who flipped a board game over before it was over something that won’t last on this board but I guess “rage quitter” works too

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Forever = /= a while.

          The earliest mention of the phrase rage quit i could find on the internet in 5 seconds was 2005.
          urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ragequit

          So been around at least 13 years. Maybe you’re too old to have heard the phrase?

          2
          Reply
        • ronaldreagan

          7 years ago

          get corncobbed binch

          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Make sure to charizard your wives or gfs tonight fellas. Happy Valentine’s day.
          urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Charizard

          Reply
        • mooshimanx

          7 years ago

          I’m a Padres fan and don’t get that either. He’s barely a replacement level player and gets to start because someone in the front office is convinced he has secret value with handling tie pitching staff.

          Reply
        • bravesfan88

          7 years ago

          It’s funny, because you both are arguing, you and Bacon, and you are both half-way correct.

          Hedges is a good defensive catcher..Fact

          Hedges is a below average hitter, and unless he improves he’ll become a career back-up… FACT

          Hedges will continue to get a chance to prove he can improve his bat, more than most, because he was a highly rated prospect coming up..Also, it is basically due to the Padres not having anyone else really even worth considering…FACT

          OVERALL, Hedges, right now, has the skillset of an excellent back-up catcher. If he can come closer to hitting around the league average for his position, then he will stick as a solid starter.

          2
          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          7 years ago

          Baseball Prospectus had Hedges #1. Care to send him to Baltimore?

          1
          Reply
        • mlb1225

          7 years ago

          He might not hit for average, but he brings some power. Hedges is more known for his glove, with his 20 DRS, and 36% of runners caught stealing on him.

          Reply
        • mlb1225

          7 years ago

          Plus, you’re losing this argument. You’ve used no other stat than average to prove that Gale is better than Hedges.

          Reply
        • mrpadre19

          7 years ago

          You’re basis for Hedges is based strictly on his batting average?
          For a Catcher?
          Wow

          Reply
      • outinleftfield

        7 years ago

        Baseball Prospectus says Hedges is the best defensive catcher in baseball.

        legacy.baseballprospectus.com/sortable/index.php?c…

        Reply
    • nop990

      7 years ago

      Wil Myers, Chase Headley, Carlos Asuaje, Manuel Margot, Brad Hand, Jose Pirela, Freddy Galvis, Craig Stammen, Kirby Yates, Hunter Renfroe

      Reply
  5. em650r

    7 years ago

    AJ is the biggest Snitch ever in Baseball no wonder the Dodgers Traded him

    1
    Reply
    • Deke

      7 years ago

      What did he do?

      1
      Reply
      • 11Bravo

        7 years ago

        He didn’t do anything. em650r has no clue what he’s talking about.

        2
        Reply
        • FriendOfBoras

          7 years ago

          Seems to be a common theme in these comments.

          1
          Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          With the common factor being you. Your ignorance knows no bounds it seems.

          3
          Reply
    • FriendOfBoras

      7 years ago

      Snitch? Please elaborate…

      Reply
    • pads fan1980

      7 years ago

      You must be a gang banger or spend your time in and out of prison. Those are the only idiots that really care about “snitches”

      Reply
    • 11Bravo

      7 years ago

      Uh huh. He’s such a snitch that was so well respected in the Dodger clubhouse that they were in utter shock when he was released. He’s such a snitch that Kershaw comes and visits him in a Milwaukee suburb he calls home. Face it, you have not idea what you’re talking about

      1
      Reply
      • BlueSkyLA

        7 years ago

        He was traded (for Carlos Ruiz) if it makes any difference. But yes the atmosphere in the clubhouse was described as being like a morgue on that day. His popularity with his teammates was the main reason he was sent away IMO.

        1
        Reply
    • mcdusty31

      7 years ago

      Actually I think most people would argue that Jim Bouton was the biggest snitch in baseball…maybe Jason Grimsley

      Reply
  6. Thronson5

    7 years ago

    Never was a all star type player but he’s one of my favorite all time Dodgers. He had clutch hits when it matter and called a good game every time out.

    1
    Reply
  7. Phillies2017

    7 years ago

    Extra glove to catch all of the arms the Friars bring to camp, and has a good chance to be the starting back-up. Good move for both sides. Probably the best fit for Ellis.
    Obviously being a Philly homer here, but hoping Chooch can get an invite somewhere.

    1
    Reply
    • mcdusty31

      7 years ago

      As a player or a goodwill ambassador?

      Reply
    • bosox90

      7 years ago

      “Starting back-up” is my new favorite phrase

      1
      Reply
  8. scottstots

    7 years ago

    *J.T. Realmuto not A.J. Realmuto.

    1
    Reply
    • bravesfan88

      7 years ago

      I was wondering if anyone was going to day anything about that lol

      Reply
      • Ozzie Torres

        7 years ago

        True!

        Reply
  9. bravesfan88

    7 years ago

    Overall, it’s a good signing for the Padres. He can help Hedges, and give him an occasional day off when necessary.

    Hopefully Hedges can figure it out at the plate, because he’s a very solid defensive catcher. Unfortunately though, if he doesn’t improve his approach and his hit tool, then he very well could be viewed as nothing more than a solid back-up, defensive catcher…

    Even so, Hedges has time on his side, due to his age, former prospect status, and the Padres lack of talent at the Catcher position. Definitely rooting for him to figure it out though..

    Reply
  10. bitterpadresfan

    7 years ago

    No upside. Also don’t like him because he was a dodger. Hopefully he doesn’t win the job because he has been a mediocre major league catcher for some time while Rocky and Raphy havent.

    1
    Reply
  11. bitterpadresfan

    7 years ago

    No upside. Also don’t like him because he was a dodger. Hopefully he doesn’t win the job because he has been a mediocre major league catcher for some time while Rocky and Raphy havent. Uuuggh…they also have no upside.

    Reply
    • bosox90

      7 years ago

      Username checks out.

      Reply
  12. WildeThing

    7 years ago

    This guy should win the job because everyone is better than “A.J. Realmuto”

    Reply
  13. keepinthafaithsd1

    7 years ago

    The stoves heatin’ up jumbalaya….

    Reply
  14. all in ad

    7 years ago

    61 babbles about a bench catcher on a minor league deal…you can tell football is over….time for MLB games to begin.

    1
    Reply
    • bosox90

      7 years ago

      Well said. In the sea of comments I think maybe 3 or 4 points were actually made. It was more a pissing match of who won the argument and who needed to ice themselves. MLBTR has come a long way.

      1
      Reply
      • SixFlagsMagicPadres

        7 years ago

        I remember the days when the comments were more sensible on this site. Now there’s people going around pretending to be affiliated with Scott Boras starting stupid arguments with people.

        On topic, I like this signing, and Ellis probably has a good chance of making the roster. A positive veteran presence like him is always a good thing.

        Reply
  15. padreforlife

    7 years ago

    “Good clubhouse guy”

    Reply
    • AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres

      7 years ago

      “Brain dead”

      Reply
  16. bleacherbum

    7 years ago

    Hedges needed a veteran backup, good move.

    Now time to get a UTL infielder that can back up Galvis at short here and there. Idk if Yunel Escobar can still play SS but he would be a nice fit on a minor league deal as well. Also JJ Hardy seems like a logical fit, another veteran to go along with AJ Ellis in that clubhouse.

    Reply

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