MLB.com is running a “10 questions” series for all 30 MLB teams and I’ll go over a few of the more interesting tidbits today. We’ll startwith a piece by Ken Gurnick about the Dodgers:
That, my friends, is insane. Ellis, 29, has just one major league hit to his credit and despite an impressive on-base percentage in the minors, he has just four home runs over the past two seasons (697 plate appearances). Ellis won’t push Martin for his job, but he could save him from the heavy workload (he has caught over 143 games in each of the last three seasons) that has taken a toll on his bat and his legs.
Is this a make-or-break season for catcher Russell Martin?
Management hasn’t given up on Martin, but it isn’t ignoring his two-year regression. Don’t be surprised if A.J. Ellis gets a lot of playing time in Spring Training, and don’t be surprised if he makes a serious run at Martin’s job.