Posting here since it may or may not be the Fish

 

Heath Bell Nearing Deal

 

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 30, 2011 at 11:07pm CST]

Heath Bell is nearing a deal with an unknown team, according to Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio and ESPN.com (Twitter link). It will not cost a draft pick to sign Bell, a Type A free agent, even though the Padres offered him arbitration last week. San Diego would obtain two top 2012 draft picks if Bell signs elsewhere.

Bell posted a 2.44 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 62 2/3 innings this past season. The Angels and Red Sox are interested in the 34-year-old ACES client, who would prefer to remain on the West Coast. The Blue Jays, Mets, Reds and Marlins may also sign closers this offseason. The Padres offered Bell a two-year deal, but don't appear to be optimistic about their chances of retaining him. CloserNews.com has the latest fantasy baseball-related updates on relief pitchers.

I'd very much like. Yes.

I predict Red Sox.

We sure as hell would be a mystery team. Have we even been linked to Bell and I don't mean only in the Marlins are in need of a closer.

It might be The Fish

 

Heath Bell isn’t close to signing, despite last night’s rumors, but it’s not for lack of interest. Here’s the latest on Bell and a handful of other free agents, via Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter links):

• The Marlins met with Bell and seem very aggressive. “This is no publicity stunt,â€� Heyman writes.
  
• Miami was interested in meeting with free agent closer Ryan Madson, but the right-hander declined, since their offer “wasn’t right.â€�
  

 

Jon Heyman is also part of the publicity stunt.

Per Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays are in the mix. They really need a closer (25 blown saves in 2011) and they could make a $50 million increase in payroll for 2012.

 

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