The Oakland Athletics signed Mark Ellis to a two-year, $6 million contract Saturday, rewarding their second baseman for his strong comeback season last year from a major shoulder injury. The A's avoided salary arbitration by reaching a deal with Ellis, who bounced back from a year off to bat a career-high .316 with a career-best 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. General manager Billy Beane had been leaning toward a one-year contract for Ellis, but the sides began talking about a multiyear deal on Friday and quickly reached an agreement. "I was almost positive it would be a one-year deal, so I was a little surprised yesterday," Ellis said Saturday while attending the team's Fan Fast festivities at the Coliseum. "I'm happy."