Heath Bell squanders save as Ozzie Guillen hints change in closer after All-Star break-MLB Update
Continuous failures by the relief pitcher Heath Bell compel the Miami Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen to state that he will be looking at other options for closing job after the All-Star break.
During the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, Bell blew the lead in the ninth and cost the club a defeat, which was easily their victory if a better performance from the closer was witnessed.
This made Guillen come up with a fierce criticism of Bell after the match and talk of the changes he may be introducing in the second half of the season.
It is not for the first time that Bell became the most conspicuous scapegoat after a loss. Right from start of the season, his late-inning outings on the mound have been a cause of concern for the manager. A number of times he has wasted save-opportunities
and invited denouncements from the concerned quarters.
During the season, a stage came when pressure on Guillen built up to scratch Bell and introduce replacements. To this, Guillen was steadfast in support of his closer and had maintained that he would be giving him more chances as an acknowledgment of his
ability.
However, right now, a kind of situation has developed which sees patience of the manager exhausted. From the statements of Guillen, it seems he will not allow him more opportunities, now.
"I tried to give this kid confidence, but you get to the point that we have to win some games," Guillen said. "I have to make a decision. I have to find a solution. It will be drastic."
Furthermore, the manager discussed the weak-link in their loss on Sunday. He plainly pointed out Bell as the cause of their defeat, while acknowledging better performance by the hitters.
"We didn't lose because of the play at the plate. We lost because Heath Bell couldn't do the job," Guillen elaborated.
Bell confronts a hard time at the moment. Winning back confidence of the manager is going to be extremely difficult now.
He certainly needs a complete over-haul in his strategy as a closer. He will be looking to fix issues as soon as possible and show drastic improvements in practice bullpen sessions.
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