Rockies in Review: Mark Ellis, a free agent with uncertain future

Mark Ellis, 34, second baseman 2011 Final Statistics: .248, batting average, .288 on-base percentage, .634 OPS, 7 HRs, 41 RBIs in 519 plate appearances Contract status: Free agent. Made $6.1 million last season, triggering a $100,000 incentive clause for 125 games played. The Rockies only paid $1.1 million of Ellis’ salary with Oakland picking up the rest. What went right: Ellis had long been a target of the Rockies, who have been seemingly searching forever for a longterm answer at second base. They began last season with Jose Lopez, used Jonathan Herrera, acquired Ellis and gave a look to Jordan Pacheco. Ellis was available last season because he didn’t hit well with Oakland. He showed improvement with the Rockies, posting 19 extra-base hits and 25 RBIs in 70 games. Ellis also drew comparisons to Clint Barmes defensively, making all the routine plays. Ellis committed just one error with the Rockies, and three for the entire season. What went wrong: He couldn’t help rejuvenate a li...