Trail Droppings 2045-4 Bell Has Comeback Year

[indiansfan]

Bell Has Comeback Year

Calgary 2B Scott Bell lost his job in 2043 after a dismal start. Bell hit .271 during his rookie season while starting 161 games between 2B and 3B. During his sophomore year he hit a meager .234 and lost the 3B job to Alfonso Trinidad and the 2B job to Roberto Puente. Bell was given the chance last spring to win back the 2B job and he did, relegating Puente to a season at AAA. He proved the team made the right decision.

Last season Bell hit .300, led the team with 48 doubles, hit 25 home runs and drove in 90. He also boosted his OPS by over 200 points. The only blot on his year was getting thrown out 24 times, half his attempted steals.

“I think Scottie just lost his confidence and it took the off season for him to get it back,” manager Terry Cochran said. “I am looking forward to another big year from him.”

The team’s confidence in Bell was reinforced when Puente was traded away recently to Edmonton. Now the Pioneers have to willing to pay up when it comes to Bell’s salary renewal. He agreed to a $750K extension for his first arbitration year, but is asking for $6 million for next season. The team may try to get him to sign for a 3 year extension if the two sides can agree.