Dodgers News: Grandal Believs Ellis Will Catch Kershaw
By now the bond between A.J. Ellis and Clayton Kershaw needs no further explanation. As two of the more tireless workers on the team, Ellis and Kershaw have formed a relationship that extends well beyond days when they’re both on the field.
When healthy, it’s often been Ellis who was behind the plate for Kershaw’s starts over the last two seasons, however that figured to change with the Los Angeles Dodgers trading for Yasmani Grandal. Manager Don Mattingly has said he doesn’t believe in personal catchers, but Grandal stated Sunday he expects Ellis to continue catching Kershaw, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
#Dodgers Yasmani Grandal on Kershaw/AJ Ellis: "I'm expecting for him to catch him. I am. But at the same time, I'm going to be ready."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 22, 2015
Should that hold true, Grandal added he’ll still look to keep busy and contribute:
If he isn't catching Kershaw's starts, Grandal said he'll try to catch side sessions and contribute to game planning/preparation with Ellis
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 22, 2015
While it certainly doesn’t solidify anything or suggest what lies ahead, it was Ellis who caught Kershaw’s first bullpen session of the spring on Friday; though Grandal then got the opportunity on Sunday.
Kershaw didn’t answer when asked if Ellis needs to be his personal catcher, instead deferring to Mattingly. He went on to credit the various catchers he’s thrown to in his career and also spoke highly of his expectations for Grandal.
It’s no secret the Dodgers will utilize some form of a platoon behind the plate with Ellis and Grandal. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman voiced his support for the strategy, and the two catchers complement each other well.
To their credit, neither Ellis or Grandal have made an issue over how the playing time will unfold with both placing the importance on team success.
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