'Sad day' in Dodgers' clubhouse after Ellis trade

The trade of A.J. Ellis doesn't sound like it went over well in the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse.

Ellis, who'd been in the organization his entire career after the Dodgers selected him in the 2003 draft, was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for fellow veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz on Thursday.

The move surprised many Dodgers, as Ellis was one of the most respected and well-liked players on the roster.

"Tough day. It's a shock for everyone," third baseman Justin Turner told reporters. "On a personal level A.J. has been a friend for a few years."

"All I can say is it’s a sad day today in the clubhouse," closer Kenley Jansen said.

Several other teammates tweeted to wish Ellis well.

"Couldn't ask for a better teammate or person in general. ... I'm genuinely happy to have had the opportunity to play with him," Dodgers pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted.

While the entire locker room seemed to have trouble with the news, it's unlikely any player took the trade harder than injured ace Clayton Kershaw. The two are best friends and Ellis serves as the left-hander's personal catcher. Ellis said they both cried when they heard the news.

"It's a really sad day for me," Ellis told reporters. "It rips your heart out."

Earlier this month, Ellis wrote an article on ESPN expressing how much being a Dodger meant to him and how he looks forward to sharing stories with his son about his love for playing for the club.

"I will tell Luke how special it was to be part of the Dodger organization," Ellis said. "How the organization that gave us Jackie, Newk and Campy, Sandy and Clayton, had allowed me to wear its uniform. And while wearing that uniform, competing in front of baseball's best fans in baseball's most beautiful ballpark."