Los Angeles Dodgers: Is A.J. Ellis a Legitimate All-Star Catcher?

Talk about a position turnover.

Since 2005, the Los Angeles Dodgers have had 18 catchers play behind the dish. I'm sure you all remember such greats as Danny Ardoin, Paul Bako, Einar Diaz, Toby Hall and Jason Phillips.

Don't worry, I can't even remember most of those players wearing a Dodger uniform.

Russell Martin was the last Dodger catcher to be considered an everyday presence at the position but even his play was wildly inconsistent.

Current Dodger catcher, A.J.Ellis has bounced around the Dodger organization since 2006. He is being given the opportunity to solidify his name in the everyday lineup and is making the most of the opportunity.

Before the season, Ellis spoke about the importance of being given the chance to play every day:

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"I've never really had the chance. I played the last month of 2010 and feel I did a good job, but there is a rhythm to playing every day, a consistency that I've enjoyed in the Minor Leagues. I like to believe I'm honest with myself. I feel I can do it, I'm confident I can do it."

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If Ellis is anything, it has been consistent.

Through 30 games Ellis is batting .330 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Defensively he has thrown out a very solid 41 percent of base runners attempting to steal.

The most impressive stat for Ellis may very well be his on base percentage of .462. His incredible patience at the plate has led to 22 walks so far this season.

Objectively, one could make the argument that Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz is having a better season than Ellis. Ruiz has a stat line of .363/7/27 and is also a very consistent fixture behind the plate for the Phillies.

Ellis on the All-Star team? That would be a great example of seeing hard work paying off for somebody who has not lost sight of their goals.