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Long-Time Dodgers Catcher Nabs Huge Mets Coaching Role
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- Long-Time Dodgers Catcher Nabs Huge Mets Coaching Role
MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Dodgers at Kansas City Royals
The New York Mets signed A.J. Ellis as their major league strategy coordinator, according to reporting by The Athletic's Will Sammon.
A.J. Ellis's new job
Ellis has a record of working in MLB organizations, serving as a special assistant for the San Diego Padres front office.
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The former Major League catcher was drafted by the Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB Draft and worked his way up the organization, eventually playing 11 years in MLB.
Ellis wasn't a star for the Dodgers overall, but he was a steady defensive backup for years alongside Russell Martin and Yasmani Grandal.
Mar 11, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis (17) during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
When he got the chance to play more than 100 games, both in 2012 and 2013, he had two really good seasons. Ellis put up 3.4 bWAR in 2012, the best season of his career, with a .270/.373/.414 slash line.
Then, in 2013, he had a 2.5 bWAR season, and while his bat declined compared to 2012, his defense was still stellar.
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Why Ellis is a fan favorite
Ellis was a favorite of Clayton Kershaw, who was devastated when the Dodgers traded the long-time catcher in 2016 after nine seasons with the team.
"The pitcher-catcher relationship is pretty one-sided — we get all the credit, we take all the blame, and the catcher is just there," Kershaw said in 2016.
"A.J. prepares harder than any of us and for 12 different guys every series. He has a servant's heart; he really does."
Mar 11, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis (17) looks over for a sign during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
As someone highly regarded for his defense and pitch-calling, it is no surprise to see Ellis get a prominent role on the Mets coaching staff, which really wants to clean up its act and elevate the team back to the postseason.
At least now, Ellis will not be working for a division rival, but rather a possible future National League foe.
