Ozzie Guillen re-iterates faith in Heath Bell despite fans lashing-out at him - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Heath Bell is lucky that the Miami Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen still believes him an important part of the bullpen, despite his rough ups in number of games.
Since start of the season, Bell has struggled to justify with the contract he was awarded during off-season. He has cost the Marlins games, which they will have won otherwise, on numerous occasions.
Meanwhile, fury with the fans was simmering and has now reached such a level that they are openly demanding his removal from the closing job.
The fact he steps on the mound at a time when entire result of the game depends on him, it is easier to understand why he is a handy scapegoat.
Too much criticism on him has acted to hide weaknesses in other areas of the team. Realising this, the manager Ozzie has stood up in his favour and has termed him the most dependable pitcher for the club during penultimate innings.
Manager knows that it has not been the fault of single player that club is experiencing slump.
On Sunday, the manager did not use Bell as closer. That move gave way to speculation that manager may have yanked him permanently from this role.
Upon being asked, Guillen shredded the impression right away. He explained that since the Marlins were trailing at the moment, he was not brought in. Whenever the situation arises where the lead is to be protected, he will be the most appropriate option,
He elaborated.
"My job is to put him out there and create more confidence," Guillen said. "It's easy to criticize, but I think my job and my coaches' job is to continue to believe in him. I hope he can finally go out there and do what he's supposed to do."
Despite a poor season by and large, Bell did show on number of occasions that he can deliver, under pressure cooker scenarios and become the saviour.
Therefore, the manager has reasons behind his constant emphasise on his abilities. It is going to be no surprise, if he becomes regular contributor in the Marlins’ victories down the line.
Bell will look to make sure he lives up to the expectations of the manager and responds to criticism with performance on the mound.
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