The Oakland Athletics signed Mark Ellis to a two-year, $6 million contract yesterday, rewarding their second baseman for his strong comeback from a major shoulder injury.

The A's avoided salary arbitration by reaching a deal with Ellis, 28, who bounced back from a year off to bat a career-high .316 with a career-best 13 homers and 52 RBIs last season. General manager Billy Beane had been leaning toward a one-year contract for Ellis, but the sides began talking about a multiyear deal Friday and quickly reached an agreement. Ellis will earn $2.25 million this season, $3.5 million in 2007. The deal includes a $5 million club option for '08 with a $250,000 buyout.

Red Sox

Coco Crisp quickly became a fan favorite with Cleveland Indians fans, winning them over with his catchy name, bubbly personality and solid skills. The Red Sox Nation will be tougher to impress.

Crisp is bound for Boston after being traded Friday by the Indians. The Red Sox needed a replacement for Johnny Damon in center field and in the leadoff spot of their batting order.

Crisp's departure had been rumored for more than a week, but the deal was delayed by medical questions Cleveland had about reliever Guillermo Mota and a related trade in which Cleveland acquired outfielder Jason Michaels from Philadelphia.