Not so long ago, the Phillies were supposedly hot for Padres closer Heath Bell. But that never made a great deal of sense, considering a) the Phillies' huge head-start toward a playoff spot, b) Antonio Bastardo's surprising excellence, and c) Brad Lidge's return to duty.
The Rangers, though? They could really use a guy like Heath Bell ...
#rangers making progress on heath bell. if they get him, it'll be up to wash who closes -- bell or feliz. #tradedeadline
This would be an easy choice, right? Bell's been one of the game's greatest relievers for a few years now. Neftali Feliz was Rookie of the Year in 2010, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio has tumbled this season and he's given up four home runs in 38 innings. For whatever reason, he just doesn't look like the same pitcher who pitched so brilliantly just a year ago. The Rangers have one area of weakness, and acquiring Heath Bell would address it perfectly.