Dodgers sign former Rockies’ 2B Ellis

The Rockies’ desire to keep Mark Ellis had limits. They were comfortable bringing him back as their starting second baseman, but were seeking a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $3-million plus. When the Miami Marlins signed Omar Infante to a two-year, $8-million deal before the season ended, the landscaped changed, decreasing the likelihood that Ellis would return. That played out today as the veteran agreed in principle to a two-year, $8.75-million contract, a deal first reported by ESPN.com’s Buster Olney. The Dodgers moved quickly to replace infielder Jamey Carroll, another Rockies’ target who landed in Minnesota on a two-year, $7-million contract over the weekend. After being acquired from Oakland midseason, Ellis hit .274 with 18 extra-base hits in 286 plate appearances. At 34, the Rockies viewed Ellis as starter, but one that could benefit from rest, perhaps playing roughly 135 to 140 games. The loss of Ellis and Carroll will likely only increase the Roc...