San Diego Padres GM AJ Preller went out and signed the veteran, and former Los Angeles Dodgers backstop, A.J. Ellis to a minor-league deal in February.
Heading into the spring, fully knowing that they would be releasing Rocky Gale shortly thereafter, the Friars’ front-office knew they had to make an addition and a smart one at that.
Signing the consummately-professional and well-respected Ellis was just the smart move that most fans were hoping was made. Well, short of Preller making a splashy addition in free agency or via a trade, at least.
Ellis is a career .