Heath Bell, Miami Marlins sign three-year deal – MLB News
The Miami Marlins seems more active than any other club as first they changed their name from Florida Marlins to Miami Marlins, and then updated their shirt and cap designs, now they are heading towards hiring top free agents.
According to sources, Miami Marlins has reached a three-year contract with the free-agent closer Heath Bell on Friday evening. Sources quoted, the deal is said to be $9 million a year, but Heath still has to undergo a physical. However, his physical is likely
to be done in Florida on Friday.
The three-year deal has a vesting option for the fourth season, depending upon the performance, the right-handed closer manages in these three years, added a source.
Looking at the performance of the 34-year-old closer this past season, the deal does not look odd. Bell made the fourth highest saves in American League. His 43 stint was just one number short of the New York Yankees’ star closer Mariano Rivera, who is reported
to undergo throat surgery this week. Bell entered 64 games and made one of the best performances of his career, posting 2.44 ERA in just 62.2 innings.
Bell has to make some improvement in his strike-out rate, which declined from 11.1 in 2010 to 7.3 in 2011. His fastball however seems to get into perfect momentum as he tossed about 95 mph in 2010 with WHIP of 1.15 and opponent average of .223.
Since the free agency negotiations started four weeks ago, the Marlins expressed their interest in hiring Heath for the coming season. They chased him and finally a decision was taken on time, when other clubs started taking interest in the veteran closer.
It was reported that Miami has been chasing some of the top free agents in the market, including Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes and C. J. Wilson. This offseason has been considered the most vital for the Miami Marlins, as the club has moved their
headquarters to Miami with an ambition to make something new in the coming 2012 season.
Only time will tell if Health can deliver for the Marlins for the upcoming 2012 regular season.
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