Dodgers Decline Options For M.Ellis, Capuano, Still Have Lots Of Cash

The Dodgers don’t have an unlimited payroll, despite what some may think. Of course, they still have lots of cash moneys. With that in mind, the club is bound to let some guys go this winter, which would allow them to reallocate resources in other more urgent directions. The Dodgers do have some salary coming off the books this winter. With that being said, the club announced they have declined the 2014 option years on Chris Capuano, and Mark Ellis’s contracts. Therefore effectively making both players free agents. In case you missed the news last night, here is the official tweet from the club.

The Dodgers announced last night that they have declined the option years for starting pitcher Chris Capuano, and second baseman Mark Ellis. Capuano’s option was a mutual option worth six million dollars. Capuano made six million dollars in 2013, which was the final year of his contract. If the Dodgers had picked up his option they would have had to pay him six million dollars. Instead the club decided to pay his 1 million dollar buyout.

For M.Ellis, his was a 5.75 million dollar team option, with a one million dollar buyout as well. M.Ellis made 5.25 million dollars in 2013, and would have been due another 5.75 million, had the Dodgers picked up his option year.

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Both players battled through injuries all season. The 35-year-old Capuano was in his second season with the Dodgers. After having a strong season in 2012 Cappy had an injury plagued season, battling various injuries along the way. Capuano had to deal with a calf injury, a strained LAT muscle, and a groin injury. The left hander pitched in 24 games, starting 20. He posted a 4-7 record, 4.26 ERA, and a 1.4 WHIP. Capuano whiffed 81 in 105.2 innings.

M.Ellis had another relatively solid season despite battling another leg injury, a strained quad for much of the year. M.Ellis played 124 games this season, posting a triple slash line of .270/.323/.351 with 6 home runs, 48 runs driven in, and a .674 OPS in 480 plate appearances. M.Ellis was also nominated for a gold glove for his stellar defense. M.Ellis had a +5 defensive rating at second base, with a .989 fielding percentage, and only six errors committed in 119 games at the keystone. But with the signing of Cuban star Alexander Guerrero, it appears M.Ellis’s days as a Dodger are probably over. Although it is still possible that the club brings back the veteran infielder in a reserve role, which has ben discussed by GM Ned Colletti previously.

The Dodgers now have 12 free agents after Peter Moylan was designated for assignment last week.