Oakland Athletics have decision to make on 2B Mark Ellis
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Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane has several decisions to make for the 2011 team, and one is whether or not to exercise second baseman Mark Ellis’ $6 million club option for 2011 or cut ties with him with a $500,000 buyout, according to Joe Stiglich of the Oakland Tribune.
“They’re going to do what they want to do,” Ellis said. “Obviously I like it here. This is where I want to be. I just do what I can to help the team win and that stuff will work itself out.”
Ellis, 33, is the longest tenured Athletic – being with the team since his 2002. He bring a strong work ethic and leadership quality to the clubhouse and he’s one of the most respected players.
“He’s always been a solid offensive player and been one of the best defensive second basemen in the league,” A’s assistant general manager David Forst said. “(But) Mark’s value has been more than what he does on the field.”
The A’s do not have a second baseman in waiting on the farm yet. They have Adrian Cardenas in Double-A, and Jemie Weeks who was drafted in the first round in 2008, but neither of them may be ready. Orlando Hudson or Cristian Guzman could be free agent options should the A’s go externally.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle says the A’s need a big bat or two, so that could play a big factor on whether the A’s keep Ellis.
