Hedges, Ellis benefit from unique bond

Hedges' 3-run blast SAN DIEGO -- The dynamic duo of catchers Austin Hedges and A.J. Ellis just formed this March, but you'd never guess that after watching them communicate.

The two thrive off a relationship founded off respect, with Hedges eager to learn from Ellis' 11-year big league career and Ellis eager to share. As the younger backstop hopes to emerge as a face of the Padres, he turns to the veteran often -- although most of the time Ellis is already there to help.

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"I go to him for advice almost every day," Hedges said. "He's been doing this for so long and had so much success, especially working with pitchers. A lot of times I don't even need to ask. He's there…