Bell a possible trade target
PHOENIX -- Heath Bell was a popular man during the All-Star Game media festivities. He figures to be traded by the last-place Padres before the July 31 deadline and the Phillies are a logical destination.
Bell a possible trade target
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PHOENIX -- Heath Bell was a popular man during the All-Star Game media festivities. He figures to be traded by the last-place Padres before the July 31 deadline and the Phillies are a logical destination.
Bell acknowledged as much Monday.
"I'm going to work my butt off and give everything I have to the San Diego Padres," Bell said. "When they tell me that I'm in Philly or St. Louis or Texas or the Yankees or the Angels, whoever it is, I'm going to give my heart and soul to that team."
The San Diego closer said he'd be willing to serve as a setup man for a contending team this season, but will seek a closing job in free agency this winter. Bell, 33, has a 2.43 ERA with 26 saves this season. He is an All-Star for the third straight year.
If Jose Contreras' elbow issue is serious, which is certainly a possibility, the Phillies could seek insurance for the back of the bullpen. Any contribution from Brad Lidge is questionable. Antonio Bastardo has been fantastic, but is only six innings away from equaling his 2010 total. And Michael Stutes is more than halfway to his 2010 innings total.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is on record saying he'd prefer to add a relief arm before a bat.
Bell is making $7.5 million in 2011. The Padres also have Ryan Ludwick, a righthanded power-hitting outfielder that could attract the Phillies.
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Trade Dellabate, Norris, Bronk, Martling, Sabean and Lange for Bell and Ludwick.— friedmozzarela- I saw Gary throw out the first pitch at a Mets game, which was downright scary, and I don't know about Fred (Eric) Benjy or Jackie, but I do know that Artie played third base at Union HS in New Jersey. So, San Diego is getting at least someone with experience. — PhightinPhil
- ...why not Quivers in the deal, too?— Phront_Runner
- One upside to Bell -- likely Type A F/A worth two draft picks if offered arb.— ejc527
- Trade Chris Wheeler for the San Diego chicken.
- Phront Runner- Quivers has too much upside to trade. Maybe instead add Governale and Christy- throw in Mund too.— friedmozzarela
- We have never been happy with anyone named Bell.— baseman
- Might be time to change that though. If he can hold somewhat close to his current line, it could give us a strong pen for the rest of the year, and more options at the end of the year.. — PhilliefaninAZ
- how bout wheeler for a bag of chicken dodo— AP 1
- Give 'em Wheels and TMac for nothing in return...Just take 'em.— outta work
- "And Michael Stutes is more than halfway to his 2010 innings total."
What a happy coincidence, seeing as how we're more than halfway through the 2011 season.— bitlrc - Why would we need a bat when this team is average at best in hitting, not too mention it's what cost us a longer playoff run last year. Can you say MORON Amaro?— twpman
- The Tonner would trade squirrel-head and the cue ball (Wheels and McCarthy) for some kind of fermented chicken drink.
Comment removed.- Acquiring Bell for the last couple months of the season in the advent of lingering injuries to experienced arms makes total sense. Probably cost us an Aumont or DeFratus and a younger pitcher....Nobody here really wants to see Herndon,Baez,or Lidge in the playoffs...do you?— bearsfriend
