Cardinals sign Free-Agent Mark Ellis

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have signed free-agent infielder Mark Ellis to a one-year contract for the upcoming 2014 season. Financial terms were not disclosed.  

Ellis, 36, is a veteran of 11-plus seasons with Oakland (2002-11), Colorado (2011) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2012-13), compiling a lifetime .265 batting mark with 105 home runs and 538 RBI in 1,362 games. The right-handed hitting Ellis has hit 20 or more doubles in nine of the past 10 seasons, including a career-high 33 in 2007, and he's hit .276 for his career against left-handed pitching with a .348 on-base percentage.

Ellis hit .270 with six homers and 48 RBI this past season for the Dodgers, helping them to the N.L. West title and an appearance against the Cardinals in the League Championship Series.

"Mark is a player we identified early-on as being an ideal fit for our team," stated Cardinals Senior V.P./General Manager John Mozeliak. "His experience and steadiness, both in the field and at the plate, certainly enhances our overall roster make-up."

A native of Rapid City, S.D., Ellis attended the University of Florida where he was a four-year standout for the Gators. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 9th round of the 1999 First-Year player draft and was traded to Oakland prior to the 2001 season. The 5-10, 190-pound Ellis was named to the Topps All-Rookie Team as a second baseman in 2002 after debuting with Oakland on April 9 of that season.  

Ellis has appeared in 22 career postseason games, including 10 this past season, and has been a solid contributor down the stretch, hitting .298 for his career during the month of September.