Monday, December 16, 2013

Cardinals finalize signing of Mark Ellis

The St. Louis Cardinals officially shored up their bench today with the signing of former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis.

Ellis, 36, provides a right-handed bat off the bench and someone who can spell rookie Kolten Wong on occasion. Though he has not played the other positions as much, Ellis does have experience at shortstop and third base.

Ellis' addition should make for an interesting battle for the available spots on the Cardinals bench. They are expected to promote rookie outfielder Oscar Taveras to the major leagues this year and with Tony Cruz likely assured of remaining the backup catcher, that leaves Ellis, Taveras, Daniel Descalso, Jon Jay, and Shane Robinson, competing for four reserve slots, if the Cardinals, as expected, move Allen Craig back to the outfield and give Matt Adams a full shot at first base. And though he appears the odd man out, the Cardinals have not ruled out Pete Kozma as a contributor in 2014.

No comments:

Post a Comment