Athletics sign Ellis for two more years

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OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Second baseman Mark Ellis of the Oakland Athletics has signed a new two-year contract.

The deal, signed late Saturday, will pay the 28-year-old Ellis $6 million. He set career-highs in batting average (.316) and home runs (13) in 2005 after missing all of the 2004 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and tied a career-high with 52 RBI.

In three major league seasons, Ellis is a .276 lifetime hitter with 28 homers and 139 RBI.

"I had to prove a lot last year and I was able to do that," Ellis said on Oakland's Web site. "Having this deal shows the organization has a lot of confidence in me, and I appreciate that. I'm happy."

The San Francisco Chronicle reported the deal included a $250,000 buyout clause.