A’s Trade Mark Ellis To Rockies

Mark Ellis is no longer an Oakland Athletic. Instead, he’s a member of the Colorado Rockies. The A’s traded their veteran second baseman to Colorado on Thursday in exchange for reliever Bruce Billings and a player to be named later, according to the SF Chronicle.

The Athletics are currently sitting in last place in the AL West, and if the Ellis deal is any indication of what’s in store for the team, there’s a possibility that GM Billy Beane could continue to unload his veterans by the trade deadline.

Ellis, 34, has been with Oakland since 2002, compiling a .265 lifetime batting average. This season, however, the A’s infielder has struggled, and was hitting just .217 with one home run and 17 RBIs prior to the trade.

The A’s valued Ellis’ strong defense, and positive veteran presence in the clubhouse, but with Jemile Weeks on the rise, the organization was forced to move Ellis in a utility-role position.

Trading Ellis only makes sense, as Ellis himself still sees himself as an everyday player. While he seemed to truly enjoy his time as an Athletic, Ellis seems excited about helping the Rockies win the NL West this season. But I’m sure all A’s fans are sad to see such a stand-up guy like Ellis leave the organization.

Going forward, it’ll be interesting to see which direction Beane & Co. take the A’s. With the trade deadline getting closer and closer, the A’s will need to decide whether to become sellers or buyers.