Bell Ready To Answer Bullpen Call
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – One of the biggest areas of concern for the Miami Marlins in the young season has been the shellacking closer Heath Bell has been given in two blown save opportunities.
But, Bell may be back into the groove thanks to some help from his wife, Marlins pitching coach Randy St. Claire, and catcher John Buck. Bell had been letting his fastball hang high in the strike zone due to bad mechanics, and St. Claire worked with him on that, according to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald.
"I figured out what the problem was," Bell told the Herald. "My pitches were flat. Now they've got the tilt. If I'm blessed to pitch [Tuesday night], you'll see the tilt and that I'm down in the zone and dominating again. I guarantee it."
It turns out Bell may have been onto something because when he came into the game for the Marlins Tuesday night for the save, he mowed down the Cubs in order. Bell got Starlin Castro to fly out, struck out Alfonso Soriano swinging, and had Ian Stewart fly out to center for the final out of the game.
While one game doesn't make a season, it could have been enough to make Marlins fans believe that Bell is the pitcher that saved more than 40 games the past two seasons for the San Diego Padres and not the one who blew his first two saves this season in Miami.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
