ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 26: Second baseman Mark Ellis #14 of the Oakland Athletics throws to first but can't turn the double play after forcing out Alberto Callaspo #6 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the fifth inning on May 26, 2011 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Oakland won 4-3. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Mark Ellis Traded To Colorado Rockies
The Oakland A's have traded second baseman Mark Ellis to the Colorado Rockies for minor-league reliever Bruce Billings and a player to be named later.
Mark Ellis Traded To Colorado Rockies
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Mark Ellis Traded To Colorado Rockies
The Oakland A's have scored two runs this season, and both of them came after catcher's interference calls and three consecutive balks. So when a young A's prospect comes up and actually hits, you'd better believe they'll make room for him. The A's traded second baseman Mark Ellis to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, which cements Jemile Weeks' spot as the A's starting second baseman.
Ellis has spent his entire major-league career with the A's, playing nine seasons as the starter. His hitting was inconsistent, but both scouts and stats always loved his defense.
The Rockies have been using Jonathan Herrera and Chris Nelson at second, and both have been struggling mightily at the plate, so it's safe to assume that Ellis will slide right into the starting lineup.
The A's will receive Bruce Billings, a 25-year-old reliever, and a player to be named later. John Sickels rated Billings as a grade-C prospect, and wrote this in his Prospect Handbook:
"His fastball is average at 89-91 MPH, but he has a good slider, throws strikes, and knows how to pitch ... He could be a useful utility pitcher."
Ellis earns $6 million this season, so the A's will save roughly half that amount if they're not sending the Rockies any cash in the deal.
