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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Comments (78)
Given the way Ludwick has been playing in San Diego, the Padres would probably throw him in for free, or maybe a bag of doughnuts.— Bretzky- I do not mean any harm but Baseball does not operate on if's. When players are hurt, you can not automatically assume the worst. Until the players show that the can not perform at an acceptable and consistent level, they must be given the opportunity to succeed. This is called company loyalty to its employees. Personally, I do not think Bell is the answer and the Pen is not broke, so do not fix it. As far as another bat, I do not think the one is needed. Ibanez is proving me wrong again. He went from not getting the bat through the zone to getting to the ball in front of the zone. Now he everything he hits is hard off the bat. Francisco is tough too figure out. The ball fly's off his bat at times and other times its just dead. I think that he lacks confidence in his total abilities. I think a lot of Brown and Mayberry. I believe that the consistency will come. How long can the Phillies wait on Mayberry, he could be another bust like Amaro, Jr was.
I also like the Phillies Pen even the relievers who are hurt. The young relievers are awesome at times but too many walks (especially leadoff walks)get them in much trouble. As far as the starters what is there to write as they are the model of consistency. What made Arron great was not his 755 Home Runs but it was his consistency year in and year out both offensively and defensively! Now having written that let me write this. The Phillies offensive problems stem from the inconsistencies of Howard and Rollins. It seems when they click, the PHillies click. Last, I am waiting for Oswalt return as I expect big things from him! Just my penny or an old man's view.— jpelle36 - Bell is a 2 month rental and Ludwick is hitting .245. Those guys are not going to make or break a season. Sure I'd like to have them, but its not a Cliff Lee type lets Crown Amaro deal.— brokerguy
- Jason Bay has been hitting .300 over the last month and looks like he has recovered from his concussion of a year ago. His salary is a hugh roadblock but you never know what the Mets might be willing to do to dump an unpopular player in order to try to keep a popular one like Reyes.— towman
- I'd rather have Bell and 24 yr old Cameron Maybin than Ludwick. Put Maybin in CF and move Victorino back to RF. Or Maybin in LF.— T-Money
- With rare exception, every member of the Phils starting rotation is capable of going 7 or more innings each time they pitch. That means the Phils bullpen opens for business on most nights in the 8th inning. Bastardo and Stutes have been sensational in the first half of the season, and Perez has been sensational in his limited appearances. When Madsen returns, the Phils will have 2 dominant righties and 2 dominant lefties to close games. It's hard to imagine that Bell, who makes a lot more money than the previously mentioned Phils relievers, would be able to help the Phils more than Madsen, Bastardo, Stutes or Perez. It is important to remember that closers usually don't get the chance to save a game unless their team has a lead. So, Bell or Rivera or any other expensive closer you can name will be of no use to the Phils if the Phils can't score enough runs to be leading in the final inning of the game. That's why the Phils don't need more relievers and why they need a right-handed power hitter who can drive in runs. Just as Bell may be too expensive for the Phils, so would Ludwick. If the Phils have the money for Ludwick, they certainly have the money for Pence. If the Phils feel like making a blockbuster trade, they should forget trading with the Padres for Bell and Ludwick. They should trade with the Astros for Pence and Happ, or with the Royals for Cabrera, Betemit and Soria instead.
- Agreed that as of right now that we need some help in the pen. But once Madsen gets back, why cant he go back to 8th and let the kid keep going as the closer. If Brad and Jose get back in the game, then the pen becomes a strength and not a weakness. More importantly, in the playoffs, do we really need 4 or 5 quality starters. If I were the skipper, I would pitch Roy, Cliff, Cole, Roy, Cliff, Cole, etc. no matter the series or a day less of rest. Then you have a potential healthy Oswalt and Blanton for long relief and spot duty in the pen. Pitching is clearly not a "need" for this team in the long run of this season. WE NEED 300 HITTERS WHO HIT WITH RISP....NUFF SAID.— Fo Fo Fo
- To think the Phils need a reliever as much as a righthanded bat is not supported by anything. This staff is doing great DESPITE tons of injuries, and several folks are coming back. This offense has struggled mightily all year, especially from the 5 hole.— VicM
- krakatoa
Madson is your shutdown closer. He has been great this year. Why would you want to add another closer when you already have three? Madson will be back and Lidge won't be closing. He'll most likely pitch the 7th or the 8th. As I said before, with this starting staff, the Phillies only need to be strong in the 8th and 9th for most games, which they already are with Madson, Stutes, and Bastardo. If the get back a solid Lidge and a solid Contraras, then they all the sudden have possibly the best bullpenn in baseball. What this team cries for is offense and a guy like Hunter Pence would supply it.— Hemingway 
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- As a Phillies fan living in San Diego, neither Bell or Ludwick is worth a high price. San Diego sports talk has a Dominic Brown/prospects for Ludwick deal, and high prospects and Brown for Bell. Ludwick's stats are down because of cavernous Petco Park, a nightmare for hitters. He could hit better at The Bank, but who knows? The Phils would be crazy to spend high for rental players. I am hoping RAJ is canvassing other clubs for hidden gems. It will be interesting...— Shibe1970
- Hunter Pence is a future left fielder. At 28 should have 5 solid years ahead of him. Ideal 5 spot hitter, or even could bat 3rd. I know he'll cost a lot, however, he is the real deal!— GOLDY2007
- Petco Park is brutal on right handed hitters. Ludwicks swing is tailor made for CBP.plus he's better that either Brown or Fransisco.— BG in So.Cal
- I still dont buy Dom Brown. swings at way too many pitches out of the strike zone.Yes I know he's only 23, but NL pitchers already know how to get him out.— BG in So.Cal
- Raul killing the team? where were you this weekend?— BG in So.Cal
- Sorry. I think with this starting staff, their bullpenn will be fine once they get Madson back. Add in Lidge, and that's a pretty solid bullpenn. This team needs offense and not just for this season. Trade for a right handed bat like Hunter Pence then try to sign him long term. If people don't think one really good bat can change this offense, think how different it would look with Pence, Howard, and Utley in the middle rather than Utley, Howard, and whoever doesn't suck in batting practice that particular day.— Hemingway
- if we make it to the playoffs, what will our roster look like? 13 batters? ideally a healthy oswalt is the 4th starter, then does worley (if success continues), Blanton, or Kendrick make pen?— jmack219
- Nobody seems to mention the obvious question, IF the Phils get a so called power RH bat for the outfield, why does it have to be right field when they have Brown who is steadily improving as his numbers attest to while Ibanez continues to get older and is a habitual streak hitter who usually falls into a deep slump in the second half plus is always a liability defensively? But seriously folks, I agree with most astute Phillies fans that its more important to seal up a leaky bullpen that as of now, can only be defended by three reliable pitchers, Stutes, Bastardo and Madson. Bell would fit nicely but Amaro HAS to extricate Herndon (not worthy of a high school team), Baez, Carpenter, Lidge, and definitely include Blanton, Kendrick and possibly Ibanez and Francisco as trade bait which would also shed salary. Keeping Brown in right field who is by all accounts, likely going to become a huge, impactful hitter for the Phils sagging line up, is critical for the stretch run. Brown has 30-40 home run a year potential if the Phils stick with him. Look at how the Yankees Granderson and Jose Bautista struggled early in their careers until they found their swing. Never give up on a talent if it has true potential. Lets take a look at what some hall of famers hit in their first FULL rookie seasons which are not out of reach for Brown if he has a solid second half.
Mickey Mantel - 267
Willy Stargell - 243
Mike Schmidt - 196
Pete Rose - 273 (should be in Hall of Fame)
Willy Mays - 274
Johnny Bench - 275
None of those guys hit 300 and all of them are hard core, viable members of the HAF. Brown is hitting around 250 and I am not at all proposing he is a future HAF player but his stats are on target to match the above mentioned players first full rookie years. Never say never:-)
— daystrum - Comment removed.
- Regardless of who Amaro "gets" if anyone, the only thing that should scare a true Phillies fan is WHO will he give up and how debilitating will it be for their future. Brown and Worley have to be untouchable. They have plenty of expendables like Ibanez, Herndon, Lidge, Carpenter Francisco and Beer gut Blanton to name a few.— daystrum
- If we're reading about it, chances are it doesn't happen. Ok, so Bell is going to a contender. And Ludwick is nothing special but neither was Cody Ross last year.— PhillySubsMac
- The Phillies need to upgrade the bullpen,if they don't its going to be a long winter.Next year they will have plenty off the books.Rollins,Lidge,Raul,Owsalt all will be gone.Great players ,but its time to move on.— BASEBALL714
- The headline brought back bad memories of David Bell. Shiver me timbers!— Timmy
- I'm not parting with Sardinha under any trade scenario. What more do the Padres want, aren't Baez, Kendrick etc. enough.— moremaui
- Bruno - LOL!— SBHAMILTON
- I like Mayberry and think in time with his swing we will be happy. Take Herndon ...please....and dump Baez at any cost. Both are true liabilities. We are one injury away from real trouble in our bullpen so we could use another piece.— Hearts
- WHY??
- HOW BOUT WHEELS TO THE HAIR CLUB FOR MEN.THEY DON'T EVEN WANT HIM. LOL— AP 1
- "Antonio Bastardo has been fantastic, but is only six innings away from equaling his 2010 total." Really?? Should we shut him down from his 4 innings a week routine at this point? Maybe if this was a starter, I'd be worried - this guy is locked in and should be a no-brainer for closer detail for the rest of the season. come to think of it, I've worked almost as many hours in 2011 as all of 2010 - I'm going to ask my boss to sideline me for the rest of the year and "ease" me into the next few years...
— gregious - Dear Ruben, you are doing a great job but you really need a bat not a reliever.— Kioto
- I don't get the bullpen obsession its not like we're blowing leads we're losing 2-1 games!
- I actually think we have the pieces already. It's a good thing that Mayberry, Brown and Martinez get there spot starts here and there. This big league experience is going to do them good. I know Martinez has a low batting average right now but he has shown that he can hit. I see him as a possible replacement for Rollins as far. As far as Stutes and Bastardo go, I think they are proving that they can pitch as well. Yes.. They will go through growing pains but I think this is the best team to go through the growing pains with.— roque32
- Bruno flunked out of his trade class.— NewMick314
- Ibanez has had a good week. I agree the Three Stooges are part of a bigger problem and that is they don't hit in the clutch and that starts at the top.— Ga.Philly Fan
- Although you are offering the Padres a treasure trove of talent in Kendrick, Herndon, Baez, and the others, a trade will only be considered if an untouchable like Dane Sardinha is included in the conversation.
LMA0
— sedale - @bradco...your deal of Singleton and May is way too much for Bell...he's going to be a UFA and the Padres are losing him....Offer a Pettibone (San Diego native) and choice of DeFratus and Aumont...two projected closers who have are blocked as well. May is a keeper, not necessarily as a starter.— bearsfriend
- Ga Phillie fan. Excuse me, but I believe Ibanez is showing more value to the team than Slo Mo Brown, Francisco, and Mayberry. In spite of the knock on Ibanez regarding his fielding, he manages to make some spectacular plays, and runs to first base on grounders.
He found the seats with a couple of home runs, now if only Howard could protect him !!!!— phineas - For those who have concerns about the Phillies adding Bell's salary.. remember this..its a prorated amount for the balance of the year and that translates to about a little over 3 mill. And at years end alot is going to change with the teams roster. Would be lovely to find a home for Baez and get rid of his money.. Can give him away for a bag of peanuts. Francisco could also go too with Mayberry able to do the same things. I think Amaro can find a way to fit Bell in and stay under the luxury tax limit..Make the deal Rube.— bradco
- Although you are offering the Padres a treasure trove of talent in Kendrick, Herndon, Baez, and the others, a trade will only be considered if an untouchable like Dane Sardinha is included in the conversation.— dasher
- Phillies need bats before arms Raul and Rollins are killing this team.— Ga.Philly Fan
- May make more sense for the Phillies to after Padre reliever Mike Adams. Cheaper, younger, just as good if not better than Bell, and under team control for a few years.
With Madson(Bora$) being a FA this offseason Adams,Bastardo,Stutes looks pretty good next year. He would cost you a top notch prospect or 2 but helps you win a WS this year and pays dividends down the road.— joe smith - Heres a good proposal for getting Bell.. Phillies trade Jonathan Singleton and Trevor May both top prospects for Bell. Singleton showed he cant play left field and Howard will be here at first for a long time. Singleton is a trade chip because of that. May has good upside.. but Cosart is our jewel and May might never get a chance here. The deal works for both sides and SD cuts payroll. As far as Ludwick goes. I dont think we need him.. With our outfield perking up lately. Ludwick is no better than what we have.— bradco
- In order to get Bell, the Phillies would need to dump an equal amount of salary. I doubt if the Padres would want Blanton in exchange for him.....or even all of Blanton, Kendrick, Baez and Herndon. It would be a great coup if Amaro could pull it off, but he'd really have to work some serious magic to make it happen.— SteveS11
- "Bell-Ludwick for Lidge, Kendrick, Contreras, Baez, and Herndon...and Francisco"
May as well throw in the rights to Jose Mesa too....in case he ever comes out of retirement.
— SteveS11 - Phils need a hitter-BP is fine!— philsfansince1946
- Another team in contention will actually NEED a CLOSER and offer more than the Phillies can for Bell.— ccheung
- Just conjecture at this point; like anything else would be...— M60tanker
- 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
- Comment removed.
- The Tonner would trade squirrel-head and the cue ball (Wheels and McCarthy) for some kind of fermented chicken drink.
- 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
- "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 - Give 'em Wheels and TMac for nothing in return...Just take 'em.— outta work
- how bout wheeler for a bag of chicken dodo— AP 1
- 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
- Phront Runner- Quivers has too much upside to trade. Maybe instead add Governale and Christy- throw in Mund too.— friedmozzarela
- Trade Chris Wheeler for the San Diego chicken.
- One upside to Bell -- likely Type A F/A worth two draft picks if offered arb.— ejc527
- ...why not Quivers in the deal, too?— Phront_Runner
- 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
- WTF do we need Heath Bell? I don't see it. I am indifferent regarding Ludwick. Now, say Hunter Pence, and you will have my attention.— 5NOT4
- Ludwick is nothing special; Bell is 33 and would be pricey.— djmarco
- Comment removed.
- "Or they would retain him if Madson walks."
I thought the same thing.
— PhightinPhil - Padres accept Bruno's offer with one condition, we keep Herndon and throw in a bucket of balls instead. RAJ says NO deal!— The Sherm
- Good one, Bruno! Worth a laugh or two.— everydayguy
- Padres will be looking to dump salary, main question is probably, how much are the Phillies willing to take on? Reports are they are close to the luxury tax threshold and are inwilling to go over. The closer they get to 7/31 the less they pay, sinc ethe salary is prorated.
I am probably in the minority who is more worried about adding a bullpen arm than RH hitter. I don't see them adding a player who will get regular at bats - best case is someone who platoons in LF, and even then they would need to be a significant upgrade over Mayberry to be worth it. On the other hand, they are likely to play a lot of very close games in the playoffs, and need to be able to play matchup in the late innings.— Phils Phan 28 - I agree with you (and Amaro). If the Phillies can only afford to add one quality player (in terms of dollars and/or prospects), I would absolutely deepen the bullpen! One extra bat is not going to turn this team into a high-scoring club, especially against the starters from Atlanta, San Francisco and Boston (our toughest potential foes). Presuming Halladay, Hamels and Lee stay healthy -- we have no chance otherwise -- we are going to find ourselves in a lot of low-scoring games like Friday's and Saturday's. Contreras is a question mark. Madson has never closed big games. Lidge is a depth guy at best. Bastardo is awesome, but young and already near his innings of 2010. Stutes is very green. The Giants won last year with a minimum of timely hitting, dominant starting, and a deep, dominant bullpen. Our bullpen is not there yet, and not up to par with Atlanta's. One extra right-handed bat (unless it's somehow Pence, which is a longshot) is highly unlikely statistically to change the complexion of Phillies' games. Picture a 2-2 tie in the 8th in the post-season and we have to pinch-hit for Halladay/Hamels/Lee. I want an extra hammer in the pen to get 4 or maybe 6 outs from that point on. A right-handed hitter maybe gets one or two more at-bats in such a game, likely with few or no men on base given our lineup. — PhilaLogic
- With a deeper bullpen on Saturday night, I think there's a fair chance we win that game, too. Atlanta and SF are even less likely to score against quality arms than the Phillies. (Boston presents a problem, admittedly.) But as inept as the lineup has been, Rollins and Utley and Polanco and Victorino and Ruiz and yes, Howard, have proven to be clutch prime-time performers again and again. I think the Phils' path to a championship will be all about winning a few, tight, low-scoring post-season games. One extra elite arm in the bullpen could be a positive factor in almost every such contest. — PhilaLogic
- Comment removed.
- ... and Ben Francisco— RAS
- Bell-Ludwick for Lidge, Kendrick, Contreras, Baez, and Herndon— Bruno Sammartino
- What about Wheels and/or a bag of donuts? — Cheesedog
- Comment removed.
- If RAJ could pull off a Bell-Ludwick type of coup, they should promote him to Club President.
— HAROLD Eskin
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