Heath Bell asserts affiliation with Miami Marlins as he struggles in the season - MLB Update
Far from what the Miami Marlins had envisaged from him, Heath Bell has been rather ordinary. He is walking and constantly missing locations. About his return to San Diego, a place of his erstwhile club, the Padres, he describes the great time he had there
and talks of his inclusion in the Marlins.
Calling himself out-and-out a Marlins now and expressing pride he feels in being part of them, Bell looks ahead to step up for his club in the season. Extremely disappointed with what he has done so far, he aims to start recording saves for the club the
way he has been doing during his career.
Bell uttered all this on the eve of his return to his old home ground, Petco Park. While creating analogy of a warm welcome Jose Reyes received when he entered Citi Field after becoming a part of the Marlins, he expects to see nothing like this happening
for him.
"In San Diego, we only had about three [reporters]," Bell said. "If something big happened, we had about six guys. … It's going to be exciting because I get to see my kids. I get to hang out in a place I played for five years. I also feel like I'm with a
great team here. I can honestly tell you I don't want to be anywhere else but Miami."
Bell faces a tough task ahead regarding a vindication of the decision the Marlins’ management had made by signing a $27-million contract with him during the offseason.
He is fortunate enough to have the confidence of his manager Ozzie Guillen.
Couple of losses he caused by throwing bad pitches late in the innings had sparked criticism from various quarters about his role in the team.
His amazing career record apart, he has proven an easier prey to latch on for the opponents this year.
However Bell has begun putting up improved shows. Only he has to find consistency in his throws now.
One of the biggest areas he suffered from is his inability to draw swings from his out of the strike-zone throws. If he can make necessary adjustments in this regard, he can very well become an important link in victories of his side.
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