51s’ Ellis hopes for Dodgers’ call

When A.J. Ellis backed up Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Russell Martin at Class-A Vero Beach in 2004, Ellis presented Martin with a proposal.

"I told him then, 'Hey man, let's just plan on doing this for the next 10 to 15 years,' " said the 27-year-old Ellis, who has excelled for the 51s this year in his first Triple-A season.

Although Ellis' plan hasn't played out the way he envisioned it, he could end up backing up Martin this year -- as well as Dodgers catcher Danny Ardoin -- if Los Angeles calls him up in September to serve as its third catcher.

Las Vegas manager Lorenzo Bundy said he has recommended Ellis to the Dodgers, but "they have the final call."

"I think he's done enough to go up there. I think he's one of the better catchers in the (Pacific Coast) League," Bundy said. "He's had a great year offensively, and he takes a lot of pride in how he handles the pitchers and how the pitchers do. I would like to see him get rewarded."

The 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pound Ellis went 4-for-5 on Friday at Cashman Field to extend his hitting streak to eight games and help the 51s gain an 11-6 win over Colorado Springs.

Ellis also threw out Mike McCoy, who was trying to steal third in the first inning, and has gunned down more than 40 percent of runners attempting to steal (27 of 66) this season.

After batting .269 with eight homers and 57 RBIs for Double-A Jacksonville last year, Ellis is hitting .322 with four homers -- including two grand slams -- and 59 RBIs for Las Vegas.

He is second on the team in on-base percentage (.426) and has more walks (47) than strikeouts (43).

A native of Lexington, Ky., Ellis drilled the winning two-run double in the ninth inning of the Triple-A All-Star Game in Louisville -- in front of 60 friends and family members -- giving the PCL a 6-5 win over the International League.

But that wasn't his best moment of the year. That happened in May when Ellis became a father for the first time, as his wife gave birth to their daughter, Ainsley.

"That's the highlight of 2008 for me, and it always will be," the affable Ellis said.

Although nothing will top the birth of his daughter, being called up to the big leagues for the first time "would be a dream come true" for Ellis, who isn't on the Dodgers' 40-man roster.

"It's tough for a player not on the 40-man roster, like myself, (to get called up)," Ellis said. "If something happens, that's great. If not, I'll know I have to work harder this offseason to be there for next year."

Lucas May, a catcher at Double-A Jacksonville, is on the Dodgers' 40-man roster, but he's batting .224, with 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 105 games.

"He hasn't had a great year in Double A," Bundy said of May. "A.J.'s got more experience behind the plate."

Ellis said, "It's been a fun year, and I've learned a whole lot," and he is confident he can contribute to the Dodgers if given the chance.

"I think I can go up and help the team win, whatever that role might be," he said.

• NOTES -- Dodgers right-hander Jason Schmidt (shoulder) started for the 51s on Friday and allowed a walk in one scoreless inning. ... Dodgers reliever Scott Proctor (right elbow tendinitis) allowed one hit in two otherwise perfect innings, struck out four and hit 99 mph on the radar gun.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0354.